Mahan Air has suspended several international routes to Oman and Turkey, with different effective dates by destination. Tehran–Muscat service is suspended from September 17 until further notice, while flights linking Iran with Istanbul and Ankara are due to stop from September 21, with the final Turkey services scheduled for September 20.
Decisions attributed to aviation authorities
Mahan Air says the suspensions follow decisions communicated by the relevant authorities in Turkey and Oman. Other Iranian airlines were still operating to both countries at publication, so the move applies to Mahan Air rather than representing a blanket closure of air links with Iran.
Sanctions pressure in the background
The suspensions come days after a new U.S. sanctions package targeting Iran’s aviation sector. On September 8, the U.S. Treasury expanded measures to 27 Iranian airlines and several foreign companies accused of supporting Mahan Air procurement networks. Mahan Air itself has been under U.S. sanctions since 2011.
Several Turkey-registered companies were included in the latest measures. Washington accuses them of facilitating logistics or aircraft transfers for Mahan Air. It is not established, however, that this week’s suspensions are legally and directly caused by U.S. sanctions; Mahan Air attributes them to Turkish and Omani aviation-authority decisions.
An operational consequence now visible
The route suspensions nevertheless represent a significant development for Mahan Air’s international network and show how regulatory and financial pressure is beginning to have tangible operational effects.
Sources
Mahan Air announcements reported September 16, 2026; APA Tehran bureau; IranWire; Iran International; U.S. Department of the Treasury / OFAC.
Why route suspensions can spread beyond one airline
When regional tensions or regulatory constraints affect one carrier, the impact can extend to connections, crew rotations and airport capacity. Passengers should therefore check not only the operating airline but also onward itineraries built around the affected route.
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