US sanctions cut Iran's flights and send fares soaring

In late September, a direct flight from Tehran to Dubai took less than three hours and cost US$100 to US$200. Less than a month later, the same trip can take up to 18 hours and cost more than US$1,000.

Airlines in Iran under US sanctions

27 airlines

Washington sanctioned 27 airlines operating in Iran under a pressure campaign it calls Operation Economic Outcast. Airports, fuel suppliers and ground handlers that serve Iranian carriers face secondary sanctions.

Where Iranian flights were halted

• United Arab Emirates
• Azerbaijan
• Georgia
• Muscat, Oman
• Baghdad, Iraq

After a Sep 23 deadline, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and Georgia suspended Iranian flights, and routes to Muscat and Baghdad stopped.

Routes to Moscow, Istanbul, Yerevan and Guangzhou still run, but around 20 per cent of international flights from Iran are suspended, the founder of one of the country's largest booking platforms said. Travellers have no clear sign of when the rest will return.