Iranian airlines have cancelled several international flights after new US sanctions targeting the country’s aviation sector took effect. However, some international routes are still operating, including services to China.
The latest restrictions have created uncertainty for Iranian passengers and airlines. Meanwhile, the full impact of the measures remains unclear as different countries respond differently to the US pressure.
Which Iranian Flights Have Been Cancelled?
Several international routes from Iran have been suspended following the latest sanctions. These include flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan.
However, services to multiple other destinations remain available. Flights to China continued, with a Mahan Air service from Tehran landing in Guangzhou on Wednesday.
Flight-tracking data showed the Guangzhou flight operating despite the new measures taking effect. A Shanghai-bound flight was also scheduled to depart from Tehran’s international airport.
Some flights to Istanbul were also scheduled, although several services had already been cancelled. Meanwhile, other connections to Turkey and Armenia remained possible through smaller Iranian airlines.
Flights to Najaf in Iraq and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates were also scheduled. A Mahan Air flight from Kabul was likewise expected to arrive in Tehran.
Airlines Face Growing Pressure
The latest measures were announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday. They followed an earlier threat to impose “economic D-Day” on Iran.
Bessent also vowed to “shut down” Iranian carriers and warned countries against providing services to them.
“If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he warned.
The restrictions could therefore make international operations more difficult for Iranian airlines. However, their full effect will depend partly on how different countries implement the measures.
The Iranian aviation sector has already faced years of sanctions. Therefore, it remains uncertain how extensively the latest restrictions will affect international routes.
China Keeps Iranian Air Connections Open
China has opposed the latest US sanctions against Iran. Beijing described the measures as illegal, while Iranian flights to Chinese destinations continued.
The continued operation of these routes provides Iranian travellers with some international connections. However, the situation remains fluid as airlines and airports respond to the new restrictions.
At the same time, Iranian authorities have been dealing with cancellations affecting several other destinations. Consequently, passengers face uncertainty over whether scheduled services will operate as planned.
Baghdad Flights Shift Towards Najaf
The suspension of Baghdad flights has created particular concern because Iraq remains an important destination for Iranian pilgrims.
Iranian aviation authorities have been discussing the possibility of redirecting Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf. The Iraqi city is home to one of the most revered Shia Muslim shrines.
Iranian media reported that flights to Najaf were continuing normally on Wednesday. A source at the airport said no order had been received from Iraqi authorities to halt those services.
However, several sources indicated that Baghdad would comply with the US measures. The Iraqi government had not publicly announced the enforcement plan at the time.
Travel Agencies Warn of More Disruption
The uncertainty has also affected travel agencies in Iran and Iraq. One Tehran travel agent said ticket sales had been temporarily stopped because of fears over cancellations.
“The situation is unstable and we are no longer selling tickets for the time being for fear of cancellations,” the agent said.
In Najaf, travel agents also expressed concern about possible disruptions to Iranian passenger traffic. Haidar Shamaa said “most travel companies in the city depend on booking flights” to Iranian airports.
Several agencies reported receiving calls from worried passengers seeking updates. Some travellers were also considering land routes as an alternative to air travel.
However, switching to land travel would mean significantly longer journeys for those affected. As airlines and authorities continue adjusting to the new sanctions, the availability of international flights remains uncertain.
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