Iran22 September, 20262 min read
U.S. Sanctions Pause Iranian Airlines’ International Flights From Tehran
U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's aviation begin, prompting Iranian airlines to cancel international flights. Iraq and regional airports suspend or restrict Iranian flights amid enforcement.
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Flights paused as sanctions bite
Iranian airlines paused their international flights in Tehran as a new package of US sanctions on the Iranian aviation sector began, according to AFP as cited by an Iranian travel agency.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced on September 8 sanctions against 27 Iranian airlines, nine individuals, and companies linked to the Iranian aviation sector, and it stressed that the sanctions target all remaining Iranian airlines.
Scott Bessent said the United States would work to halt the international operations of Iranian airlines starting Wednesday, signaling secondary sanctions targeting entities that provide services to them, including fueling, landing services, and ticket sales.
Tehran-based travel agency reporting said Iranian flights were suspended to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, while other destinations including China remained available.
The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization confirmed that Baghdad and Muscat airports would not receive Iranian flights, while discussions were underway to redirect flights bound for Baghdad to Najaf Airport.
Tehran warns, China lands
Mohsen Rezaei threatened countries enforcing US sanctions on Iranian airlines, warning that their airports could face disruption.
Rezaei also said Tehran will neither reopen the Strait of Hormuz nor negotiate until Washington meets Iran’s conditions for ending the war.
On Wednesday, an Airbus A340 operated by Iran’s Mahan Airlines took off from Tehran and landed around 16:40 (8:40 UTC) in Guangzhou, southern China, according to FlightRadar24.
Guo Jiakun stated that China “consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization.”
The landing in Guangzhou came as Beijing rejected the American sanctions and described them as “illegal,” while the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that if these aircraft land, no one will be able to refuel them, provide landing services, or sell their tickets.
Who complies, what is at risk
FlightRadar24 tracking data showed foreign airlines largely complied, with flights leaving Iran on Wednesday for destinations including Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, Shanghai in China, and Kabul in Afghanistan.
AL-MONITOR listed Iranian carriers operating from Tehran Imam Khomeini, including Ata Airlines, Caspian Airlines, Fly Sepehran, Iran Air, Iran Airtour, Qeshm Air and Varesh Airlines.
The BBC reported that the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on September 8 on 27 Iranian airlines and nine individuals and companies connected to the Iranian aviation sector, and it targeted “all remaining Iranian airlines.”
The BBC also reported that Turkish Airlines told BBC Persian on September 9 that the cancellation of flights would remain in effect until March 1, 2027.
The BBC framed the next phase as dependent on whether airlines can ensure aircraft, payment channels, insurance contracts, and airport services do not conflict with U.S. regulations, even as the war and security risks change.