TEHRAN: Iranian airlines have temporarily suspended several international routes following the U.S. government’s recent decision to tighten sanctions on the country’s aviation sector. The move aims to further isolate Iran economically and restrict its global connectivity.
According to sources in Tehran, flights to key destinations such as Baghdad, Muscat, Doha, Tbilisi, and Baku have been put on hold. However, flights to certain countries, including China, are still operational. A travel agent speaking to AFP mentioned that while some routes are suspended, others continue to operate, creating a patchwork of flight availability.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced new measures on Monday, led by Secretary Scott Bessent, intending to cripple Iran’s airline industry by denying fuel, landing rights, and access to the dollar system for Iranian carriers. These actions are part of a broader strategy to exert maximum economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing tensions.
Despite the sanctions, some Iranian carriers, like Mahan Air, have still managed to operate international flights. Flight tracking data shows a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Guangzhou, China, arriving as scheduled. China has publicly opposed the sanctions, calling them illegitimate, and stated that they oppose US efforts to restrict Iran’s aviation.
Flights to other regional hubs, such as Istanbul and Dubai, remain uncertain; some have been canceled, while others are still scheduled. An anonymous Tehran-based travel official stated, “The current situation is volatile, and we are not issuing new tickets to avoid further cancellations.”
Flights from Iran to Iraq, including Najaf, are also affected. The civil aviation authorities in Iraq have announced that Baghdad’s airports will no longer accept Iranian flights, adding to the difficulties faced by travelers. Many travel agencies report that clients are rushing to find alternative land routes, which involve significantly longer travel times.
The U.S. sanctions threaten to disrupt religious pilgrimages, business travel, and family visits, intensifying Iran’s isolation. Iranian officials and industry insiders are closely monitoring developments, wary of further restrictions that could deepen the country’s connectivity crisis.
