Turkey will suspend flights operated by Iran's "Mahan Air" airline between the two countries.
Modern.az reports, citing "Middle East Eye" (MEE), that Turkish officials informed the publication about this.
The decision will apply to all "Mahan Air" flights between Turkey and Iran.
The reason for this is the US sanctions against Turkish companies providing services to Iran's "Mahan Air" airline. The decision will come into force on September 21.
Earlier this month, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Iranian civilian airlines, ground handling and cargo companies, as well as aviation component suppliers. Three Turkish companies - "S Sistem", "Mes Cargo" and "Sky Phoenix" - were included in the sanctions list. According to the American administration, they provided services to "Mahan Air", including participating in the supply and acquisition of aircraft, as well as providing sales services.
The companies were given a short period to cease cooperation with sanctioned organizations. The US Treasury Department also warned about possible measures against service providers from third countries.
"Now the risk applies to any Turkish organization serving 'Mahan Air' – from airport and ground services to ticket sales and banking operations. This could lead to disruptions in work and new investigations," said one of "Middle East Eye"'s interlocutors.
Other Turkish officials emphasized that it is not about banning flights of all Iranian airlines. Ankara will continue to assess risks related to other carriers, taking into account the aviation agreement with Tehran, flight safety, and possible new US sanctions against Turkish companies.
"Mahan Air" frequently operated flights to Turkey, including at least three daily flights between Istanbul and Tehran. The airline confirmed that it will suspend flights to and from Turkey from September 21. The carrier also announced the suspension of flights to Oman and Georgia.
