Iran Air has suspended all flights to European countries in response to new sanctions imposed by the European Union. The carrier is the only airline operating flights to EU countries.
The sanctions, announced on Monday, target Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Saha Airlines. The EU accuses the airlines of aiding Tehran’s missile and drone transfers to Russia, a claim Iran denies.
"Iran Air had to cancel flights because it will no longer be able to obtain landing permits," said Jafar Yazarloo, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation.
The suspension affects all flights to major European cities, including Paris, London and Frankfurt.
Passengers were notified of the cancellations via SMS on Monday. Many contacted Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, where operators confirmed the flights were cancelled due to EU sanctions.
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"Iran Air was the only airline flying to Europe. Now, not a single Iranian airplane will go there," said Maqsood Asadi Samani, director of the Association of Iranian Airlines.
He added that passengers will likely need to rely on connecting flights via countries like Turkey and the UAE.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to address the situation, but no immediate solution has been announced.
Last month, the United States also imposed sanctions on Iran Air, accusing it of transporting goods for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Western powers have accused Iran of supplying Russia with missiles and drones for its war in Ukraine, which Iran denies.
(With newswires)
