Iran airlines cancel flights as US sanctions hit

Iranian airlines were compelled to cancel several international flights on Wednesday following the United States' imposition of new sanctions on the country's aviation industry. Georgia and Azerbaijan officially announced they were suspending flights, while a Tehran-based travel agent reported that routes to Baghdad, Muscat, and Qatar had been halted, although other destinations remained accessible, including China.

The new measures were announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday as part of a broader strategy to economically "shut down" Iran following a prolonged conflict. Iran's aviation sector has been under sanctions for years, and it remains uncertain which other nations will comply.

The head of Iran's top national security body threatened retaliation against those who comply with the US sanctions. Despite the sanctions taking effect on Wednesday, a flight operated by Mahan Air, one of Iran's largest carriers, landed in Guangzhou, China, according to FlightRadar24 tracking data. China had previously stated on Tuesday that it opposed the US sanctions, describing them as illegal.

A flight to Shanghai was also scheduled for Wednesday, according to Tehran's international airport. Some flights to Istanbul were also planned, while others had been canceled, as reported by a Tehran-based travel agent who requested anonymity.

The situation remains unstable, with the travel agent advising against selling tickets until the uncertainty subsides. Despite the cancellations, flights to Baghdad, Muscat, and Istanbul were confirmed to continue operating, albeit facing potential disruptions. Iranian authorities were reportedly in discussions to route Baghdad flights to Najaf, a significant pilgrimage destination.

Upon arrival in Najaf, Iranian flights were reportedly running normally, with no orders from Iraqi authorities to halt them. However, several Iraqi travel agents expressed concerns about complying with the US sanctions, as many of their clients rely on flights to Iranian airports.