Iran has filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over restrictions imposed by the United States on its aviation sector. Tehran is also seeking to restore international flight routes that have been suspended or disrupted.
Abouzar Shiroudi, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, said the complaint was submitted in coordination with Iran’s Foreign Ministry. The submission includes documents detailing the impact of the US restrictions on Iranian flights.
Shiroudi said Iran is using diplomatic and legal channels to remove the barriers and bring back flight routes that were previously operating. Iran is also seeking the restoration of routes suspended by several countries.
The situation has affected Iran’s international air connectivity. Direct flights to several European destinations face restrictions, forcing passengers to use connecting flights through regional hubs. Istanbul has become one of the important alternative transit points for travelers.
The latest developments follow new US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The US Treasury announced sanctions against 36 targets on September 8, including 27 Iranian airlines, saying the measures were aimed at restricting activities linked to Iran’s aviation industry.
Several countries in the region have also suspended or restricted flights involving Iranian airlines following the new US measures. These changes have further reduced the number of international travel options available to passengers flying to and from Iran.
Iran says it will continue using international legal and diplomatic channels to challenge the restrictions and seek the restoration of suspended routes. The outcome of its ICAO complaint could determine what further steps are available to Tehran regarding the affected air services.