Iran: British Airways and Air France to suspend Tehran flights in September

Event

British Airways and Air France have recently announced that they will suspend flight services to and from Tehran in September 2018 due to low demand and consequent lack of profitability. British Airways, which offers flights to Tehran from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR), will conduct its last flight to Tehran on September 22 and its last flight from Tehran to LHR on September 23. Air France will reportedly cease offering flight services to Tehran on September 18. British Airways has announced that it is seeking alternative flight arrangements to rebook customers who have already booked flights to and from the Iranian capital past the announced end-of-service dates and will offer refunds to those for whom alternative bookings cannot be arranged.

Context

Dutch carrier KLM also announced in July that it would terminate service to Tehran from September onward. The moves come amid the recent renewal of US sanctions on Iran; the first set of sanctions came into effect on August 7, barring Iranian purchase of US dollars and precious metals, with a second tranche planned in November targeting the country's energy sector.

Advice

Individuals planning flights to or from Tehran via the abovementioned airlines in the coming months are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm flight reservations, and contact their airline for more information.