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Iran’s aviation sector has been hit hard by fresh European Union sanctions, forcing Iran Air, the country’s only international carrier to Europe, to suspend flights to the region. This latest wave of restrictions targets Iranian officials and entities allegedly involved in the transfer of drones and missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, which Tehran denies. For Iranian travelers and business owners, the sanctions mean higher costs and longer travel times, as flights to Europe now require stopovers in neighboring countries.
The sudden cessation of Iran Air's Europe-bound flights has left many Iranians stranded. Photographer Tannaz, en route to a job in Paris, was forced to turn back, unable to find a cost-effective alternative. With no other Iranian airlines flying to Europe, travelers now face pricier tickets and extended routes through cities like Istanbul. Iranian economist Danial Rahmat notes that airlines in nearby countries are positioned to capitalize on the increased demand from Iranians seeking connections to Europe and other destinations.
The EU's sanctions exacerbate existing issues in Iran's airline industry, which has struggled with aging fleets and grounded aircraft due to longstanding Western sanctions. These restrictions have limited access to necessary parts and maintenance services, with inflation further eroding purchasing power. According to economist Said Leylaz, the aviation sector’s troubles also stem from internal mismanagement and corruption, factors that have weakened Iran’s transportation infrastructure over time.
While Iran Air has launched new daily flights to Istanbul to help offset the impact, many believe the sanctions will redirect demand toward non-Western allies. As President Masoud Pezeshkian works to ease Iran's economic isolation, partnerships with countries like China may grow, with a shift in air traffic to East Asia and destinations outside Europe where sanctions are not in effect.
For Iranians like Tannaz, the inability to travel freely represents more than a work disruption; it reflects the broader isolation imposed by sanctions and geopolitical tensions. “I just wish we could live a normal life,” she said, voicing a sentiment shared by many navigating the complexities of travel under international sanctions.
(Input From AFP)
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