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
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM