Iranian airlines have cancelled several international flights after the United States imposed tighter sanctions on the country’s aviation sector.
Flights between Iran and Georgia and Azerbaijan have been suspended, while routes to Baghdad, Muscat and Qatar were also reportedly affected.
China-bound flights continued operating despite the new measures.
US Tightens Pressure on Iran’s Aviation Sector
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the sanctions on Monday as Washington increased economic pressure on Tehran.
Bessent said the measures were designed to severely restrict Iran’s international aviation links. He also claimed that most external flights from Iran had been disrupted.
The new restrictions come after months of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
China Rejects US Sanctions
Iran’s aviation sector has faced US sanctions for years. The latest measures could further affect international airlines and neighbouring countries operating routes to Iran.
A Mahan Air flight from Tehran landed in Guangzhou on Wednesday, according to flight-tracking data. Another flight to Shanghai was also scheduled.
China has opposed the new US sanctions and described them as unlawful.
Flights to Istanbul, Dubai, Najaf and several other destinations were also scheduled, although some services were cancelled.
Travel Uncertainty Grows for Iranian Passengers
A Tehran travel agent said ticket sales had been temporarily suspended because of uncertainty over further cancellations.
Iranian authorities have also discussed rerouting flights to Najaf for passengers travelling to Iraq.
Iran’s national security officials warned neighbouring countries against cooperating with the new US restrictions. The measures have also raised concerns among Iraqi travel agencies that rely heavily on Iranian air connections.
