Iran Air says it has not been officially told to stop flights to neighbouring countries, despite a US announcement that tighter sanctions against Iran’s aviation sector are due to take effect on Wednesday.
The national carrier said it had received no notification from aviation authorities in Turkey, Azerbaijan or Iraq about suspending flights to Istanbul, Baku or Najaf.
“Iran Air has not received any notification or official instruction,” the airline said in a statement carried by Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
The statement comes as the United States prepares to increase pressure on Iranian airlines and organisations that work with them.
US Warns Iranian Airlines Face New Pressure
Earlier this month, the US blacklisted Iran’s aviation sector and warned that companies dealing with Iranian airlines could face sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that Iranian airlines would face serious difficulties operating from Wednesday.
“All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent told CNBC.
However, it remains unclear exactly how the new measures will affect flights. Iranian airlines have already operated under extensive US sanctions for years.
Iran currently has 27 airlines, although most mainly operate domestic routes. Iran Air and privately owned Mahan Air are the country’s two main carriers serving international destinations.
Their international networks include neighbouring countries, as well as destinations in Russia and China.
Regional Countries Respond to US Measures
The situation has already begun to affect some routes involving Iranian airlines.
Georgia recently barred Iranian carriers from its airspace. Mahan Air also said it had suspended flights to Turkey after receiving a request from the Turkish government.
Two Iraqi sources told AFP that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines following the US Treasury announcement.
Iran Air, however, said it had not received any official order covering its services to Turkey, Azerbaijan or Iraq.
The differing statements have created uncertainty over which international routes will remain available after the new US measures take effect.
Travel Options Already Limited
The latest restrictions could make international travel more difficult for Iranians. They may also complicate the return of citizens who are currently abroad.
Iran’s aviation sector has already faced major disruption in recent months.
Israeli-American strikes on Iran at the end of February led to the country’s airspace being completely closed. Some air traffic has since resumed, but international options remain limited.
At present, Iranian carriers are the only airlines allowing passengers to leave Iran, according to the information provided by the airline and regional reports.
The new US measures could therefore add another layer of pressure to an aviation system that has already faced years of sanctions, operational restrictions and limited international connectivity.
