Turkish Airlines suspends Iran services until 2027

Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to Iran until at least March 2027, as US sanctions intensify pressure on the country’s aviation sector and neighbouring countries tighten restrictions on Iranian carriers.

A Turkish Airlines representative told Iran International that the airline has no flights to Iran scheduled before March 2027. The representative said the carrier had not yet confirmed whether services would resume after that date.

The suspension is expected to reduce travel options for Iranians, with Türkiye having long been an important destination for tourism, family visits and business.

The latest restrictions follow comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday that Iranian airlines would face severe restrictions worldwide from Wednesday, September 23, as Washington expands its sanctions campaign against Tehran.

Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said, "All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world” from September 23.

He also warned companies providing fuel, landing facilities and ticket sales to sanctioned Iranian carriers that they could face consequences under US sanctions, reported The Siasat Daily.

Washington has already imposed sanctions on Iranian airlines and other entities accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector.

Iraq will suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines from Tuesday, September 22, according to two Iraqi government sources cited by AFP.

The decision is linked to US sanctions and could affect a major travel route between the two countries.

Iranian travellers frequently visit Iraq’s holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, with passenger numbers increasing significantly during religious events such as Arbaeen.

Georgia has also restricted operations by Iranian airlines affected by international sanctions.

Iranian carriers reportedly operated their final flights to Georgia on Sunday, September 20, before the restrictions took effect the following day.

Iranian carrier Mahan Air has also suspended flights to Istanbul and Ankara following a request from Turkish authorities.

The airline operated its final services on the routes on Sunday, September 20. Its flights to Georgia have also been suspended.

The latest measures impose tighter restrictions on Iranian airlines’ international operations while reducing travel options for passengers between Iran and several regional destinations.