IRAN: CAO Looks to Reopen Oman and Azerbaijan Flights

TEHRAN, Iran

• The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization said on Monday that the resumption of flights to Oman and Azerbaijan are being "pursued" with regards to the United States ban on Iranian airlines.
• The United States set a deadline of 23 September for foreign companies assisting Iranian airlines to comply with the ban, such as stopping fuel supplies.
• Non-compliance risks blacklisting and isolation from the global dollar system.
• However, Iranian airlines resumed flights to Najaf Airport in southern Iraq on Sunday after the United States granted Baghdad an exemption.
• Oman is an issue. Flights that previously operated there have not restarted. Azerbaijan is being pursued again.
• He said those countries formally announced a stop after the latest sanctions. Some others did not announce a ban and instead told individual airlines to cancel.
• The Civil Aviation Organization wrote to them asking for a formal reason. It said it needs that paper to complain at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Letters went to all of the countries named, and an objection has been lodged with ICAO.
• Shiroudi said the 239th ICAO session is next month and the issue will be raised there.
• Flights continue to countries that did not follow the sanctions. He said two or three that did are being pressed through the Civil Aviation Organization and the Foreign Ministry, and that signals have been received. He gave no date for a restart.
• He also said around 100 aircraft were damaged in the recent war, fewer than 10 destroyed completely, and 27 Iranian airports damaged.
• The official stated the airline has 150 aircraft in operational service but not all are flying currently.
• Plans aim to increase the fleet to 200 aircraft within the next six months.

Sources:

• Sky News Arabia
• Donya e Eqtesad