Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet have cancelled flights to Iran from September 21, with bookings reportedly unavailable until at least March 2027, according to Middle East Eye (MEE).
The reported suspensions come as Washington expands sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector under measures described in the report as “Operation Economic Outcast.”
According to MEE, the restrictions are broad enough to affect aircraft containing US-manufactured components, including Airbus jets operated by Turkish carriers. The report said the sanctions have consequently made continued Iran services difficult for airlines exposed to the US financial and commercial system.
Mahan Air Also Suspends Türkiye Services
Meanwhile, Iranian carrier Mahan Air has reportedly suspended flights to Istanbul and Ankara, further reducing direct air connections between Iran and Türkiye.
Türkiye had remained one of the major international aviation links available to Iranian travellers, making the reported suspensions potentially significant for passengers seeking connections to destinations beyond the region.
However, the supplied report did not specify whether the Turkish airlines had permanently withdrawn from the Iranian market or could restore services before March 2027 if sanctions conditions change.
Washington Threatens Dollar-System Restrictions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has separately said Iranian airlines face a worldwide shutdown from September 23 as Washington seeks to isolate the country’s aviation sector.
Bessent warned companies against supplying Iranian carriers with fuel, landing services or ticketing facilities. He said businesses continuing such services could risk losing access to the dollar-based financial system.
Consequently, the US strategy relies heavily on financial pressure against third-party companies rather than physically preventing Iranian aircraft from operating.
The reported Turkish suspensions would represent an early major impact of that pressure if directly linked to the new restrictions, although the precise implementation and duration of the measures will depend on individual carriers and sanctions requirements.
NEW: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AJet cancelled all Iran flights starting Sept. 21, with no bookings available until at least March 2027.
US "Operation Economic Outcast" sanctions are so broad they cover even Airbus planes with US-made components, leaving Turkish carriers no… pic.twitter.com/wJHt2Zfcfl
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 22, 2026
