Iran Air Halts All European Flights Following New EU Sanctions

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 17, 2024 04:30 AMNews
Share:
Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran
Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran. Source: unsplash

Iran Air, the national airline of Iran, has suspended all flights to Europe in response to newly imposed sanctions by the European Union (EU). Passengers booked with Iran Air were notified via text message that flights had been canceled, as the airline feared it would no longer be permitted to land or depart from European airports.

What Prompted the Suspension?

The suspension follows the EU's recent imposition of sanctions on seven individuals and seven organizations, including Iranian airlines such as Iran Air, Saha Airlines, and Mahan Air. While only Iran Air operates flights to Europe, these sanctions are in response to allegations that Iran has been supplying ballistic missiles and drones to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine—claims that Tehran has denied.

In its official statement, the EU emphasized that the sanctions target specific Iranian activities, including the transfer of Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technology to Russia, rather than civilian travel. The EU expressed that the sanctions were not intended to disrupt air traffic between Europe and Iran overall, but rather to deter specific actions linked to the war in Ukraine.

Which Flights Are Affected?

All flights between Iran and Europe have been affected, including routes to eleven European destinations. Iran Air, which operates from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), has suspended services to the following airports:

  • London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Milan Malpensa (MXP)
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
  • Hamburg (HAM)
  • Frankfurt (FRA)
  • Cologne (CGN)
  • Vienna (VIE)
  • Rome (FCO)

A spokesperson from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization confirmed that the flights had been halted due to the airline’s inability to secure landing permits at European airports. Many passengers reported receiving last-minute text messages regarding the flight cancellations, with some now stranded in foreign countries. Given the growing restrictions, flights to and from Tehran have become increasingly scarce, as other international airlines also limit services to the Iranian capital.

In a related development, Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned Hungary’s ambassador to protest the new EU sanctions. Hungary, whose capital Budapest currently hosts the EU’s rotating presidency, has been central in Tehran’s diplomatic engagement over the sanctions.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM