IRANIAN AIRLINES SUSPEND SOME INTERNATIONAL ROUTES AS NEW US SANCTIONS TAKE EFFECT

Several Iranian airlines have cancelled or suspended international flights as expanded United States sanctions targeting the country’s aviation sector took effect on Wednesday. Flights to Baghdad in Iraq, Muscat in Oman, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan were among those affected, although services to a number of other destinations remained available as airlines and aviation authorities assessed the impact of the new restrictions.

The latest measures were announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday as part of Washington’s wider campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran. Bessent had warned that Iranian airlines would be effectively shut out of international operations and that foreign companies providing them with fuel, landing services or ticketing support could face consequences within the US financial system. The sanctions follow years of restrictions on Iran’s aviation industry, which have already limited the ability of its airlines to obtain aircraft, spare parts and other services.

A travel agent in Tehran told AFP that flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan had been suspended, while routes to several other destinations were still operating. Some Istanbul services had also been cancelled, although other flights to Turkey remained scheduled. Iranian aviation authorities were reportedly discussing the possibility of redirecting Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf, an important destination for Iranian pilgrims, while other international connections were being maintained where possible.

The disruptions have also created uncertainty for passengers and travel businesses. One Tehran travel agent said ticket sales had been temporarily halted because of fears that more flights could be cancelled. In Iraq, travel agents expressed concern about the possible impact of reduced air connections because Iranian airlines carry large numbers of passengers, particularly pilgrims travelling between Iran and religious sites. Some travellers were reportedly considering road journeys as an alternative, although such trips would take considerably longer.

The full effect of the sanctions remains uncertain, particularly because some Iranian flights continued operating despite the new restrictions. A Mahan Air flight from Tehran landed in Guangzhou, China, on Wednesday, while other services to China and destinations such as Turkey and Armenia remained possible. China has also opposed the US sanctions, describing them as unilateral measures without a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council. The latest developments are expected to further complicate international travel for Iranians while putting additional pressure on the country's already heavily sanctioned aviation sector.