Iranian airlines have been forced to cancel some international flights following the US tightening of sanctions on Iran's aviation industry. The new measures, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday, aim to cripple Iran's economy. A travel agent in Tehran reported that flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have been suspended. However, routes to multiple other destinations, including China, remain available.
The US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector have been in place for years, but it is unclear what the full impact of the new measures will be. China has expressed opposition to the sanctions, calling them illegal. Despite the new sanctions taking effect, a flight from Tehran operated by Mahan Air, one of Iran's biggest carriers, landed in Guangzhou, China. A flight to Shanghai was also scheduled to depart on Wednesday.
The situation for Iranian travelers has become increasingly uncertain. A travel agent in Tehran stated that the situation is unstable, and they are no longer selling tickets for fear of cancellations. Iranian media reported cancellations, with the Tasnim news agency citing a civil aviation spokesman as saying that Baghdad and Muscat airports will no longer accept Iranian flights.
However, some flights to other destinations remain possible. According to Tehran's international airport website, connections to Turkey and Armenia are still available using smaller Iranian airlines, including Varesh. Flights to Najaf in Iraq and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates were also scheduled. Iranian aviation authorities are in talks to reroute Baghdad flights to Najaf, a major destination for Iranian pilgrims.
The restrictions will further complicate the ability of Iranians to travel abroad or return to their country. Bessent warned other countries that they will be punished if they do business with Iranian carriers. He stated that if they land, countries cannot provide them with fuel, landing services, or sell them tickets, or they will be excluded from the dollar system.
The impact of the sanctions on Iraq has sparked concerns among travel agents. Several sources, including a senior government official, told AFP that Baghdad would comply with the US measures. In Najaf, home to one of the most revered Shia Muslim shrines, agent Haidar Shamaa stated that most travel companies in the city depend on booking flights to Iranian airports.
The suspension of flights between Iran and Iraq may lead to a shift to land routes, which would mean much longer journeys. Some Iraqi travel agents reported that panicked clients are calling for updates and considering switching to land routes. Iranian media reported that other international flights, including Istanbul, will operate as scheduled, and there are no problems with these flights.
Key points
- US sanctions on Iran's aviation industry have led to the cancellation of some international flights.
- The impact of the sanctions on Iranian travelers and the economy remains uncertain.
- Iraq is expected to comply with the US measures, which may affect flights between Iran and Iraq.
