Iranian flights to Baghdad and Muscat were set to be cancelled from midnight Tuesday, with authorities negotiating to reroute some services to Najaf. The cancellations come as new US sanctions targeting Iran's aviation industry were poised to take effect.
The cancellations and new US sanctions on Iran's aviation sector highlight the increasing pressure on the country's economy and its ability to maintain international transport links, potentially impacting trade and travel.
Iranian flights to Baghdad and Muscat were scheduled to be cancelled from midnight Tuesday, according to local media reports, as new US sanctions on the country's aviation industry were set to take effect. A civil aviation spokesman cited by the Tasnim news agency stated that Baghdad and Muscat airports would no longer accept Iranian flights, though negotiations were underway to reroute services destined for Baghdad to Najaf Airport in Iraq. Iran's ISNA news agency also reported the cancellations and ongoing negotiations with Oman.
Separately, Iranian carrier Mahan Air had already suspended flights between Tehran and Muscat on September 17 and planned to halt services to Turkiye, including routes to Istanbul and Ankara, starting September 21. This decision was attributed by the airline to instructions from Turkish aviation authorities. The US Treasury Department recently imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector, targeting 27 Iranian airlines and foreign companies accused of providing services to them. These measures increase the risk of penalties for foreign companies continuing to work with sanctioned Iranian carriers and could complicate maintenance for US-made aircraft used by Iranian airlines. The Treasury has also suspended licenses that previously allowed certain services and exports related to US-made civilian aircraft operating in Iran.
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