First Iran flights cancelled as US sanctions set to come into force

As midnight approached in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation authorities announced the cancellation of all flights to Iraq and Oman. This decision came hours before the US imposed expanded sanctions on the country's aviation sector. Tasnim news agency reported that Baghdad's and Muscat's airports will no longer accept Iranian flights.

Other international flights, including those to Istanbul, will continue as usual. Iran's aviation authorities are reportedly discussing rerouting Baghdad flights to Najaf, a popular pilgrimage destination for Iranians.

Iran's aviation industry has been under various sanctions for years. The country boasts 27 airlines, with Iran Air and Mahan Air being the primary carriers for international routes. These routes mainly connect Iran to neighboring countries such as Russia and China. However, the new US sanctions are expected to disrupt these operations.

Georgia has already banned Iranian carriers, and Mahan Air, a private company, has suspended services to Turkey at the request of the Turkish government. These restrictions further hinder Iranians' ability to travel abroad or return to their homeland. Israeli-American strikes on Iran at the end of February led to the complete closure of its airspace, though traffic has partially resumed since then.

Airports now allow only Iranian carriers to operate, as they are the only ones permitted to facilitate passenger departures from Iran.