TEHRAN: In response to new sanctions imposed by the European Union, all Iranian air carriers have suspended flights to EU member states, a significant move affecting air travel and economic interactions between Iran and Europe.

According to Trend News Agency, Maqsoud Asadi Samani, the secretary of the Association of Iranian Airlines, announced that the sanctions target three major Iranian airlines: IranAir, Mahan, and Saha. IranAir, which was previously the only airline offering flights from Iran to the EU, will cease operations along these routes. This decision follows the EU’s restrictive measures, which stem from Iran’s alleged involvement in supplying missiles and drones to Russia, and actions that purportedly undermine peace in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

Asadi Samani highlighted the impact of these sanctions on travelers and the aviation industry. With the suspension of direct flights, passengers will now need to rely on foreign airlines, which could lead to increased ticket prices for fli
ghts heading to the EU. He also noted that due to regional tensions, some foreign airlines have already reduced their flight operations to and from Iran. Alternative travel arrangements might involve connecting flights through countries such as Turkey or the UAE, which could complicate travel plans further.

The Council of Europe had announced these restrictive measures on October 14, targeting seven individuals and seven institutions, which are linked to Iran’s military engagements and regional activities. This development marks a significant escalation in the EU’s actions against Iran, reflecting growing concerns over Iran’s role in global geopolitical conflicts.