US Sanctions Could Complicate Return of Foreign Flights to Iran

New US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector could make it harder for foreign airlines to resume flights to the country, even after security risks ease.

Foreign airline services to Iran have effectively stopped following the war and heightened regional tensions. The sanctions add another potential obstacle to restoring those connections.

The issue is no longer solely whether conditions are safe enough for flights to return. Airlines considering a resumption may also need to assess whether their operations would be affected by the new restrictions.

That could complicate a recovery in international air links even if the immediate security concerns recede. An easing of regional tensions would not, on its own, resolve questions surrounding sanctions.

Whether the measures will ultimately prevent foreign flights from returning remains uncertain. For now, they add a further layer of difficulty to an already disrupted aviation market.