Iran has announced the resumption of direct flights to Europe through private airlines, marking a significant milestone after the suspension of routes by the state-owned Iran Air due to European Union sanctions. This measure aims to revitalize the country’s international connections, after months of restrictions.
Return to European Skies: Details of the Announcement
Operations between Tehran and Paris will resume on January 31, managed by Iran Airtour, a private airline. According to Hossein Pourfarzaneh, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, another private airline, Qeshm Air, is also set to begin flights to two additional European destinations, although details of these routes have not yet been disclosed.
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Despite these developments, flights to London have not resumed, though possibilities to reestablish this route are being explored for the future.
Context of European Sanctions
In October, the European Union imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and entities, including several airlines, accusing them of assisting in the transfer of missiles and drones to Russia, allegedly used in the conflict against Ukraine. These measures impacted Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Saha Air, limiting their operations to Europe.
Tehran has vehemently rejected these accusations, describing them as a “hostile act” by the EU. This situation has exacerbated the longstanding challenges of Iran’s aviation sector, which has faced international restrictions for decades, hindering its ability to acquire aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services.
Prospects for Iran’s Aviation Sector
The decision to resume European flights through private airlines reflects a strategic attempt to navigate the restrictions imposed by sanctions. While state-owned airlines continue to face significant limitations, utilizing private operators may open new opportunities to strengthen international connections.
However, uncertainty persists. The EU’s allegations and the associated sanctions remain a significant obstacle to the development of Iran’s aviation sector. The country will need to carefully balance its economic objectives with the ongoing geopolitical restrictions.
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Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial líder en América Latina.