The changes stem from US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines and the foreign companies that provide them with services. In August, the Trump administration announced "Operation Economic Outcast," an effort to increase pressure on Iran by targeting the few remaining sectors of the Iranian economy still connected to global markets.
As part of the campaign, the US sanctioned 27 airlines operating in Iran. Airports, fuel suppliers, ground-handling providers and other foreign companies working with Iranian airlines were threatened with secondary sanctions, potentially cutting them off from the US financial system.
The first sign of impact came on September 24, when an Iranian flight from Tehran to Dushanbe was forced to turn back mid-journey after being denied permission to enter Turkmenistan's airspace. The UAE, Azerbaijan and Georgia subsequently suspended services for Iranian flights. Flights between Iran and Muscat and Baghdad were halted, while a number of services to neighbouring Turkiye were cancelled. Flights to Najaf in Iraq, a popular Shia pilgrimage destination, were briefly disrupted in late September before resuming.
The sanctions have compounded disruption already caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has severely affected the country's international air links. The vast majority of international airlines have yet to resume services to Iran, leaving travellers with longer journeys, higher costs and fewer options.