Following a statement by Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury secretary, that Iranian airlines will face broad restrictions on their international operations starting September 23, several countries have also imposed restrictions on flights operated by Iranian airlines.
Two Iraqi government sources told Agence France-Presse on Monday that Baghdad is suspending flights operated by Iranian airlines following the new U.S. sanctions.
At the same time, Georgia has banned aircraft operated by Iranian airlines from landing in the country.
In Turkey, Mahan Air announced that it would suspend its flights to Istanbul and Ankara starting September 21. Mahan Air said the decision was made following a request from Turkish aviation authorities.
Mahan Air had also announced the suspension of its flights to Muscat, the capital of Oman, starting September 17, attributing the decision to Omani aviation authorities.
However, reports indicate that these measures do not necessarily amount to a ban on the operations of all Iranian airlines in every country. For example, Iran Air had announced that its flights to Najaf in Iraq would continue as scheduled.
Scott Bessent said that starting September 23, Iranian airlines would face serious restrictions if they continue international operations, including difficulties obtaining fuel, airport services, and ticketing services.
The developments come as the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector this month, increasing pressure on the network of companies and support services linked to Iran’s aviation industry.
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