Iraq's airports in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have suspended Iranian flights effective Friday, according to sources who spoke to Reuters. This move follows similar actions taken by other Iraqi airports in recent days. The decision comes as the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran's aviation sector, which has led to increased scrutiny of international flights to and from Iran.
The Iraqi National News Agency reported earlier on Friday that Najaf International Airport had suspended all flights to and from Iran, effective immediately. This brings the total number of Iraqi airports that have stopped Iranian flights to four: Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. These airports were the only ones in Iraq that had been operating flights to and from Iran.
The new US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector came into effect on Wednesday, as announced by the US Treasury Department. The sanctions aim to restrict Iran's ability to operate its airlines and access international air travel. US Treasury Secretary Scott Mnuchin stated that Iranian airlines would cease operations on September 23, warning that any entity dealing with them would be excluded from the US dollar system.
The US had placed Iran's aviation sector on its blacklist earlier in the month, threatening to impose penalties on any entity that engages with Iranian airlines. According to Mnuchin, Iranian planes would no longer be able to refuel, land, or sell tickets, effectively grounding them. The move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to pressure Iran and restrict its international activities.
Iranian airlines have been facing significant challenges in recent years due to international sanctions. The country's aviation sector has struggled to maintain operations, and many airlines have had to rely on older aircraft and limited routes. The latest US sanctions are expected to further exacerbate these challenges and limit Iran's ability to connect with the global air travel network.
The decision by Iraqi airports to suspend Iranian flights is seen as a response to the US sanctions and the need to comply with international regulations. By stopping these flights, Iraq aims to avoid potential penalties and maintain its access to the US dollar system. The move is also likely to impact Iranian citizens and travelers who rely on these flights for international travel.
The impact of the US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector is expected to be significant, with many airlines facing financial and operational challenges. The suspension of Iranian flights from Iraqi airports is just one example of the broader consequences of these sanctions. As the international community continues to navigate the complexities of US-Iran relations, the aviation sector is likely to remain a key area of focus.
Key points
- Iraq suspends Iranian flights from all four airports amid US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector
- US sanctions aim to restrict Iran's ability to operate its airlines and access international air travel
- Iraqi airports' decision is seen as a response to US sanctions and the need to comply with international regulations
