Iran Cancels Tehran Flights to Baghdad and Muscat

TEHRAN: Iran has announced the temporary cancellation of flights from Tehran to Baghdad in Iraq and Muscat in Oman, with the suspension taking effect from midnight Wednesday local time.

Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization confirmed the decision through semi-official Tasnim news agency. Iranian aviation authorities said Baghdad and Muscat airports would no longer accept flights from Iran.

Iranian authorities are also working on arrangements to divert flights bound for Baghdad to Najaf Airport, which is a major destination for Iranian travellers and pilgrims.

Discussions with Iraqi authorities are continuing over the alternative arrangements, while negotiations with Oman are also underway regarding Iranian flights to Muscat.

According to Tasnim, Iran’s other international flights will continue operating according to schedule for the time being.

Flights to Istanbul are among the services that remain scheduled, with Iranian authorities saying there are currently no disruptions on those routes.

The cancellations come as the United States is expanding sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that foreign airports and service providers assisting Iranian airlines could face secondary sanctions, putting additional pressure on Tehran’s international air connections.

The latest restrictions are adding to wider disruptions facing Iran’s aviation sector amid continuing regional tensions and the broader confrontation between Tehran and Washington.