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

As midnight approached in Tehran, local media reported that flights from Iran to the capitals of Iraq and Oman would cease operations. According to the Tasnim news agency, Baghdad and Muscat airports would no longer permit Iranian flights. The agency quoted a civil aviation spokesman, stating that international flights, including those to Istanbul, would operate as usual with no issues reported.

Iran's aviation authorities were reportedly discussing alternative routes for Baghdad flights, potentially to Najaf, a significant destination for Iranian pilgrims. Negotiations with Oman were also ongoing. In Iraq, the government had not yet announced plans to enforce the ban, but a senior government official spoke to AFP, indicating compliance.

The United States had blacklisted the Iranian aviation sector the previous month and threatened sanctions against any foreign organization collaborating with Iran's airlines. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Monday that Iranian airlines would face significant challenges operating starting Wednesday due to these American sanctions.

Iran Air and Mahan Air, the national and private carrier respectively, are the two main providers of international routes, primarily to neighboring countries and occasionally to Russia and China. The restrictions have exacerbated the difficulties Iranians face in traveling abroad or returning to their country. Georgia had barred Iranian carriers, while Mahan Air suspended services to Turkey at the request of the Turkish government.

These restrictions have further complicated Iranians' ability to travel internationally or return to their homeland. The Israeli-American strikes on Iran at the end of February led to the complete closure of the country's airspace, with traffic resuming partially since then, but only Iranian carriers allow passengers to leave Iran.