Turkey's civil aviation authority confirmed that flights operated by Iran's Mahan Air will be suspended beginning 21 September, citing the potential for violations of United States sanctions against the carrier. The decision was reported by Middle East Eye, which noted that officials emphasized the measure is limited to Mahan Air and does not constitute a blanket prohibition on all Iranian airlines.
According to Turkish officials, the suspension is a precautionary step to avoid exposing Turkish airports and airlines to secondary sanctions that could be imposed by Washington. The United States has listed Mahan Air on its sanctions roster for alleged links to illicit activities, including the transport of weapons and support for militant groups. Turkish authorities indicated that the move aims to protect the country's aviation sector from possible financial and operational penalties.
The announcement also mentioned that other Iranian carriers are currently under review, though no definitive actions have been taken against them at this stage. Ankara has not disclosed the specific criteria that will guide any further restrictions, but it indicated that compliance with international sanction regimes will remain a key factor.
Industry observers note that the suspension could affect passenger traffic between Turkey and Iran, where Mahan Air operates several routes linking major Turkish cities with Iranian destinations. The temporary halt may also have broader implications for tourism and trade flows, given the historically close economic ties between the two neighbours.
Turkey has previously maintained a relatively open stance toward Iranian airlines, allowing several carriers to operate to its airports. However, the heightened scrutiny follows increased pressure from the United States on third‑party states to enforce its sanctions policy. Ankara has signalled its willingness to cooperate with international partners while balancing its own strategic interests in the region.
The suspension will be reviewed regularly, and Turkish officials indicated that a decision to lift the ban will depend on developments in the sanctions landscape and any changes in Mahan Air's compliance status.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-halts-iran-mahan-air-flights-over-us-sanctions-risk.