IranAir Challenges EU Sanctions with Legal Action
IranAir has confirmed it is pursuing legal avenues to challenge sanctions imposed by the European Union, appealing directly to individual member states as part of its strategy. Seyed Hamidreza Sanei, deputy director general of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, told state news agency ILNA that the sanctions were “imposed without evidence” and tied to allegations of weapons transfers to Russia, which he called “completely false.”
According to Sanei, IranAir has filed lawsuits to contest the EU’s October 2024 decision, initiating legal action in December of that year. In August 2025, however, the General Court of the European Union dismissed the carrier’s request for interim relief that would have temporarily suspended the sanctions while its appeal is heard. The main case remains ongoing, though Sanei noted the European legal process is often “very time-consuming.”
Current EU measures prohibit IranAir from operating flights to the bloc, purchasing goods or services from EU companies, or cooperating with European entities. These restrictions have forced the airline to seek alternative growth opportunities outside Europe.
Sanei said IranAir is planning to increase flights to Pakistan and is exploring potential expansion into Tunisia as part of its strategy to diversify markets. The legal challenge comes as IranAir faces significant financial strain. The Central Bank of Iran recently reported the airline as the country’s third-largest debtor, with liabilities of IRR430 million rial (USD10.2 billion) at the end of 2024. Despite the challenges, IranAir remains intent on overturning the sanctions and rebuilding its international network.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com