Iran airlines cancel flights as US sanctions hit

Iranian airlines were compelled to cancel several international flights on Wednesday due to the United States tightening sanctions on Iran's aviation industry. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, announced the new measures on Monday, part of a broader effort to impose "economic D-Day" on Iran following nearly seven months of conflict.

However, Iran's aviation sector has been under sanction for years, leaving uncertainty about the full impact of these sanctions and which other nations will adhere to them. Despite the new sanctions taking effect, a Mahan Air flight from Tehran reached Guangzhou in China, according to FlightRadar24 tracking data. China had previously expressed opposition to the US sanctions, deeming them illegal.

Flights to Shanghai were also scheduled for Wednesday, with Tehran's international airport confirming departures. Some flights to Istanbul remained on the agenda, though others had been canceled, reported the travel agent in Tehran. The agency stated they were temporarily refraining from selling tickets due to concerns over cancellations.

A Mahan flight from Kabul was expected to arrive in Tehran, alongside connections to Turkey and Armenia via smaller Iranian airlines, like Varesh. Flights to Najaf in Iraq and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates also remained on schedule. US sanctions aim to "shut down" Iranian carriers and penalize any nation facilitating their operations.

Iran's aviation authorities explored rerouting Baghdad flights to Najaf, a key pilgrimage site. While Iraq's government has not announced plans to enforce the ban, several sources, including a senior official, believe Baghdad would comply with US measures. The potential suspension of Iran-Iraq flights has raised concerns among Iraqi travel agents, with many relying on Iranian connections for their business.

In Najaf, a significant Shia Muslim shrine, travel companies depend on flights to Iranian airports, with panicked clients considering alternative land routes.