On September 23, the United States imposed intensified sanctions on Iran's aviation industry, a move announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on September 21. Bessent declared the US intent to "shut down" Iranian carriers globally by threatening to cut off any entity providing fuel, landing services, or ticket sales to these airlines from the dollar system. These new measures are part of a broader effort by the US to exert economic pressure on Iran following a nearly seven-month conflict, which Bessent had previously referred to as an "economic D-Day."
In response to these sanctions, Iranian airlines were compelled to cancel several international flights. Routes to Baghdad, Muscat, Georgia, and Azerbaijan were suspended, with Iranian media acknowledging disruptions. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization reported that flights to the Iraqi and Omani capitals would cease from midnight on September 23. While some flights to destinations like China and Istanbul were initially scheduled to continue, the overall situation for Iranian travelers became highly unstable, with travel agents ceasing ticket sales due to fear of cancellations.
Foreign airlines also reacted swiftly to the US threats. Turkish Airlines suspended all flights to Iran until at least March 2027. Emirates ceased operations to Tehran, while Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines suspended flights until at least October 24, 2026. Qatar Airways also reported suspended flights to Iran due to airspace restrictions, with a tentative resumption date of November 29, which could change. China, a significant trade partner of Iran, publicly opposed the US sanctions, labeling them as illegal and lacking international legal basis.
The sanctions complicate international travel for Iranians, both for those seeking to leave the country and those wishing to return. While the US lacks the authority to close foreign airspace, targeting essential services like refueling, ground handling, and ticketing effectively cripples Iranian carriers' ability to operate internationally. Iranian authorities are exploring options, such as rerouting Baghdad flights to Najaf, a major pilgrimage destination, but the shrinking number of international routes and withdrawing foreign carriers significantly impact travel options, forcing many to consider longer overland journeys.
