Iran airlines cancel flights as US sanctions hit

On Wednesday, the US imposed new sanctions on Iran's aviation industry, forcing some international flights to be canceled. Georgia, Azerbaijan, Baghdad, Muscat, and Qatar saw their flights halted, while routes to China, Shanghai, Istanbul, Turkiye, Armenia, Najaf in Iraq, and Dubai remained available. The new measures were announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as part of the administration's effort to economically cripple Iran following nearly seven months of war.

Iran's aviation sector has been targeted by sanctions for years, and other countries' compliance remains uncertain. The head of Iran's top national security body threatened reciprocal action against those who comply with the US sanctions. Despite the new sanctions, a Mahan Air flight landed in Guangzhou, China, and a flight to Shanghai was expected to depart.

Some flights to Istanbul were also scheduled, although some had been canceled. A travel agent in Tehran reported that they were no longer selling tickets due to the instability of the situation. Mahan Air flights from Kabul were also expected to arrive in Tehran. Iran's supreme national security council head warned neighboring countries not to comply with the US sanctions, threatening to halt flights to Iran if they cooperate with the US.

Iranian media reported cancellations, including flights to Baghdad and Muscat, which will no longer accept Iranian flights. Iran's aviation authorities were in talks to reroute Baghdad flights to Najaf, a major destination for Iranian pilgrims. While Iraq has not announced plans to enforce the ban, some travel agents in Najaf expressed concerns about the impact on their business.