Iran files ICAO protest over US restrictions on Iranian airlines

Iranian authorities have filed a protest with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) over US restrictions imposed on flights operated by Iranian airlines, Abouzar Shiroudi, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, said in an interview with IRNA.

According to Shiroudi, the protest was filed “to protect legitimate rights and counter illegal restrictions.”

He added that Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation was coordinating closely with the country’s Foreign Ministry and using all available legal and diplomatic channels to overcome existing obstacles and resume flights on routes that had previously been operational. 

Regarding connecting flights, Shiroudi noted that since restrictions were imposed on direct flights to Europe, connecting services via regional aviation hubs, including Istanbul, had been used as an alternative, with the arrangement continuing.

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that starting September 23, Iranian airlines would no longer be allowed to operate flights and would not receive ground-handling services due to sanctions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada