US Aviation Blockade Tightens as International Flights Out of Iran Grounded
The US-led aviation blockade on Iran intensifies as regional hubs halt flights, with over 80% of international routes grounded amid strict new American sanctions.
The United States is tightening its "aviation blockade" on Iran, with all flights between Dubai and Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport disappearing from schedules. According to the Iranian ISNA news agency, all flights operated by Iranian airlines to the United Arab Emirates were canceled at midnight.
International Restrictions and Flight Cancellations
Passengers reported abrupt cancellations just before departure. Dubai serves as a crucial transit hub for Iranian travelers heading to Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as a key business destination. Turkmenistan also joined the restrictions, forcing a Tehran-Dushanbe flight to turn back after airspace was denied.
Georgia and Azerbaijan have officially declared blanket bans on Iranian carriers due to US sanctions, while other nations implemented partial measures. Baghdad and Muscat airports reportedly halted incoming Iranian flights, and Mahan Air suspended its routes to Turkey following instructions from Ankara.
Exemptions and Official Responses
Despite the sweeping measures, the blockade is not airtight. Tracking data from Flightradar24 showed flights departing Iran for destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Shanghai, and Kabul. Flights between Tehran and Moscow also continue to operate.
"We are squeezing the Iranians like they have never seen before, and more than 80% or 90% of flights out of Iran have likely been grounded," said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
China has refused to enforce US sanctions, with a Mahan Air flight landing in Guangzhou. Beijing condemned the American steps as illegal. Meanwhile, Tehran issued warnings to neighboring countries against cooperating with Washington, threatening potential retaliatory disruptions to regional aviation networks.
