Why is Iran threatening regional airports, and what could be the impact? | Aviation News
Iran Threatens Retaliation Against Neighbors Over U.S. Sanctions on Aviation
Iran has issued a warning to neighboring countries, stating it will retaliate if they comply with recent U.S. sanctions aimed at disrupting Iranian airlines’ international operations. This development raises concerns about potential further disruptions to air travel in a region already impacted by nearly seven months of conflict stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, conveyed the warning through Iranian state media, urging neighboring nations not to engage in what he described as an “adventure” orchestrated by the United States, predicting the effort’s imminent failure.
The warning follows the cancellation of numerous international flights by Iranian carriers after the U.S. announced it would impose secondary sanctions on airports and aviation service providers that conduct business with Iran. Reports indicate that all Iranian flights to and from the United Arab Emirates have been canceled.
On Wednesday, Azerbaijan and Georgia confirmed they had suspended flights to and from Iran, while services to Baghdad and Muscat have also been halted. Limited operations to Turkiye and China continue but face a significant number of cancellations.
Rezaei warned that Iranian retaliation would target any neighboring countries that assist the U.S. in enforcing the sanctions. He stated that if such cooperation occurs, those countries could see their airports unable to facilitate flights to Iran.
This threat is a continuation of Iran’s broader campaign to dissuade nations from participating in what it perceives as Washington’s economic pressures, which have intensified since the onset of hostilities on February 28.
The underlying cause for Iran’s latest threat stems from renewed efforts by the U.S. to isolate its aviation sector. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury expanded sanctions to include Iran’s remaining airlines and foreign companies that aid in their operations. The sanctions specifically targeted Mahan Air, which the U.S. links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned that entities servicing Iranian aircraft risk exclusion from the U.S. financial system, rendering the provision of fuel, landing services, or ticket sales perilous.
Iran’s specific actions in response to these threats remain unclear. Rezaei did not disclose whether the nation would pursue diplomatic, economic, or military measures. Iran cannot unilaterally determine whether foreign airports will accept its aircraft, nor can the U.S. close airspace of another sovereign nation.
However, the U.S. can impose financial risks on local businesses that service Iranian carriers, exacerbated by past instances where Iran’s military activities nearly paralyzed air travel in the Gulf region. Following missile and drone attacks launched by Iran at various Gulf states, airspace closures ensued in early March, leading to prolonged disruptions in flight operations.
Despite the warnings, some analysts express skepticism about Iran’s capability to execute its threats effectively. Wolfgang Pusztai, a security and defense analyst, noted that while the U.S. sanctions may carry significant implications, particularly for the Iranian aviation sector, the broader impact could be limited. He indicated that countries like Turkiye, Pakistan, and China may continue aviation cooperation with Iran.
The restrictions could primarily affect Iranian travelers, with data from aviation analytics firm Cirium indicating that international flight capacity from Iran was already 49 percent lower in August 2026 compared to the previous year. As routes dwindle, many travelers are turning to land crossings with nearby countries.
The escalation of sanctions may also threaten numerous jobs in Iran’s aviation and tourism sectors while adding uncertainty to the broader travel industry in neighboring countries, which have faced a downturn amid ongoing tensions. Passenger traffic at major hubs, such as Dubai International Airport, reportedly dropped by 31 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
