Iranian airlines have canceled multiple international flight routes following the United States' escalation of sanctions against their aviation sector to increase economic pressure.
Foreign news agencies reported that several Iranian airlines had to cancel many international flights on Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026 GMT+7, after the U.S. intensified sanctions on Iran's aviation industry as part of renewed efforts to exert economic pressure.
The affected routes include flights to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, and Muscat, Oman; flights to Qatar, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have also been suspended. Airports in Baghdad and Muscat have already refused to accommodate flights from Iran.
Previously, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to “shut down” Iranian airlines and warned other countries that if they support Iranian flights—for example, by providing refueling, ground services, or ticket sales—they would be cut off from the U.S. dollar system.
However, China continues to accept flights from Iran, opposing these sanctions and stating that they are illegal. Additionally, smaller Iranian airlines still operate flights to Istanbul (Turkey), Armenia, Kabul (Afghanistan), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Najaf (Iraq).
Beyond the impact on airlines, Iranian tour companies have temporarily delayed ticket sales due to the uncertain situation, affecting Shiite pilgrims traveling between Iran and Iraq. Iran is trying to negotiate shifting flights from Baghdad to Najaf instead.
Meanwhile, some people have begun considering switching to overland travel, despite the significantly longer travel times involved.
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Source:cna