Iran Flights Grounded
US sanctions cause flight cancellations and soaring costs, with Tehran-Dubai trips now taking up to 18 hours and costing over $1,000
The US has imposed new sanctions on Iranian airlines and foreign companies providing them with services, resulting in flight cancellations and increased costs for Iranians. A ticket from Tehran to Dubai, which could previously cost between $100 and $200 in late September, now costs more than $1,000 and takes up to 18 hours.
The US sanctioned 27 airlines operating in Iran as part of Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign to increase pressure on Iran. The sanctions were announced with a September 23 deadline for companies to stop servicing Iranian carriers.
The UAE, Azerbaijan, and Georgia have suspended services for Iranian flights, while flights between Iran and Muscat and Baghdad have been halted. Flights from Iran to Turkiye were also cancelled, and flights from Iran to Najaf in Iraq were briefly disrupted in late September.
## What changed The change in flight costs and duration is a direct result of the new US sanctions. In late September, travellers could still fly directly from Tehran to Dubai in less than three hours. However, after the sanctions took effect, the journey time and cost increased significantly.
## Why it matters The US sanctions are part of a broader effort to restrict access to Iran and block routes into and out of the country. The sanctions target the few remaining sectors of the Iranian economy still connected to the global economy. The impact of the sanctions is being felt by Iranian travellers, who are facing significant disruptions and increased costs.
The suspension of direct flights between Iran and several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, has caused significant inconvenience to travellers. The increased cost and duration of flights are also likely to have a negative impact on trade and commerce between Iran and other countries.
