Iranian flight cancellations continue spreading across the globe as a result of US pressure. Even within the Middle East itself, Iranian flights are now being turned away.
The secondary sanctions issued by the US are being taken seriously by other countries. Oman and Iraq have now officially halted all Iranian flights at Muscat and Baghdad airports.
Flights Redirected to Najaf Instead
Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency on Tuesday that airports in Baghdad and Muscat would stop accepting Iranian flights starting midnight local time on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
“For this reason, we’re coordinating and consulting to have flights bound for Baghdad redirected to Najaf airport instead,” Akhavan said, as quoted by Al Jazeera on Wednesday.
Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that negotiations with Oman are also ongoing. Iran is still working to keep its remaining international flights operating on schedule, including routes to Istanbul, Turkey.
The US Sanctions Timeline
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Monday that Washington would cut off Iranian airlines from international operations starting Wednesday. This move comes seven months after the US and Israel’s military campaign against Iran began.
Bessent told CNBC that when Iranian airlines land at an airport, no one would be permitted to provide them fuel, landing services, or ticket sales. Any country that does so risks being cut off from the US dollar financial system.
How the Sanctions Actually Work
Aviation analysts told Al Jazeera that while the US doesn’t have the authority to close foreign airspace directly, targeting fuel providers and local ground handling services achieves a similar practical outcome, cutting off the essential operational support airlines need to function.
Before targeting airlines specifically, the Trump administration, through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), had already imposed strict sanctions across Iran’s trade, energy, banking, shipping, technology, and digital asset sectors.
Iran’s Dual Approach: Defiance and Diplomacy
Politically, Iran has shown two contrasting postures. On one hand, the country has taken an aggressive stance, stating it’s prepared to face war. On the other, it has kept the door open for diplomacy and peace negotiations mediated by Qatar.
“Trump’s threats will amount to nothing. We are ready for a decisive war,” said Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s security chief, in an interview with Al Jazeera last week.
What This Means for Travelers
With Oman, Iraq, Georgia, and the UAE all now restricting Iranian flights within days of each other, and Iran actively working to reroute and preserve its remaining international connections, the situation for anyone traveling to, from, or through Iran remains highly unpredictable.
Given both the rapid pace of new restrictions and Iran’s own defiant rhetoric toward the sanctions, travelers should treat any Iran-related booking as subject to last-minute change and confirm directly with airlines before heading to the airport.
