Iran Air faces new sanctions, putting its European flights at risk

After the export of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia became known as part of what has been described as a new escalation of that country’s military support in the war against Ukraine, the governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom strongly condemned the act and announced a new series of sanctions against Iran, which this time will also include the state airline Iran Air.

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«The E3 has been clear, both privately and publicly, in stating that we would take new and significant measures against Iran if these transfers occurred,» reads the joint statement issued by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

«We now have confirmation that Iran has made these transfers. We will take immediate steps to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran. In addition, we will pursue the designation of key entities and individuals involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program and in the transfer of ballistic missiles and other weapons to Russia. We will also work to impose sanctions on Iran Air,» the statement continued.

See also:Iranian Engineers Replicate JT8D Engine Parts Amid Sanctions

Iran Air Current Flights to Europe

Currently, the European network of Iran Air reaches Paris/CDG, Cologne, Rome, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Hamburg, London/LHR, Milan/MXP, and Vienna, operating an average of 24 weekly flights each way, which represents an offer of 5,600 seats, according to information obtained by Aviacionline via Cirium.

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Outside of Europe, Iran Air also operates regular flights to Dubai, Kuwait, Beirut, Mumbai, Baku, Karachi, and Al Najaf (Iraq).

Among Western European airlines, the only ones that maintained regular services to Iran were Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa, although the latter suspended them earlier this year.

Turkish Airlines and Pegasus continue to maintain a solid network with Iran, connecting Istanbul and Ankara with Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad.

Other Iranian airlines, such as Iran Airtour, Meraj Air, Queshm Air, ATA Airlines, and Mahan Air, also fly to Turkey and Russia. From the latter country, Aeroflot and Nordwind Airlines also operate regular flights.