U.S. Treasury sanctions imposed on 27 Iranian airlines in early September 2026, as part of "Operation Economic Outcast," have significantly curtailed international air travel to and from Iran.
The measures, effective after a September 23 wind-down period, threaten secondary sanctions on foreign companies providing services such as fueling, handling, or ticketing to Iranian carriers. This has prompted several countries to suspend or restrict flights by Iranian airlines, including to the UAE, Oman, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Baghdad.
Foreign carriers including Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa have also suspended or limited services to Iran amid the restrictions and ongoing regional tensions.
As a result, many travelers are turning to overland routes. Heavy congestion has been reported at border crossings with Turkey, such as Bazargan and Razi, and routes into Armenia leading to Yerevan, where international flights remain more accessible.
Overland travel into Azerbaijan remains restricted, while some Iraq border points have reopened after temporary closures. Limited flights to destinations including China, Russia, and parts of Turkey and Armenia continue to operate.
The disruptions add to challenges for Iranian civilians seeking to travel abroad or receive air imports, amid broader economic pressures.
