Oman and Azerbaijan have suspended flights with Iran as of Wednesday, while Iraq has banned flights to Baghdad in response to US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector. Mahan Air has suspended flights to Istanbul, Ankara, and Muscat, and Georgia has suspended commercial flights to Tbilisi. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that “all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world” from Wednesday, affecting a country of 90 million.

Despite the deadline, dozens of flights were still departing Tehran’s main airport on Wednesday to Istanbul and Dubai, with arrivals also operating from Shanghai. Iranian passengers express concern over further suspensions, as millions live abroad and travel to visit relatives. The US imposed sanctions on dozens of airlines this month, accusing them of aiding Iran’s weapons and personnel movement, and warned that continued cooperation risks exclusion from the global financial system.

Iranian carriers, including Iran Air, continued selling tickets for September and October. Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, said authorities are discussing with Oman and Iraq to redirect flights, including to Najaf for Shia pilgrims. The Trump administration, which launched the war against Iran in February, aims for an “economic D-Day” via economic pressure.

The US has also imposed a maritime blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme. Foreign airlines have not resumed services since the war began, and the UAE suspended trade with Iran in August, though diplomats expect it to avoid fully blocking the $30bn in bilateral business. The UAE central bank sanctioned Iranian Bank Melli’s local branches for violating anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws.