US says sanctions will shut Iranian airlines out of global aviation on September 23
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian commercial airlines will be unable to operate globally from September 23 under planned secondary sanctions. The stated mechanism would pressure foreign providers against refuelling, landing support and ticket sales.
What this could mean for you
International flights operated by Iranian carriers could become unavailable or be cancelled.
Foreign airports, fuel suppliers and ticket sellers may withdraw services to avoid the threatened US banking sanctions.
Reported basis: [1][2] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The sanctions are implemented and relevant service providers comply.
Possible time frame: days, if those conditions hold.
Iranian aviation connections could become more difficult and costly to maintain.
Restrictions on refuelling, landing facilities and ticket sales would limit normal airline operations.
Reported basis: [1][2] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: The stated restrictions cover the relevant aircraft, airports and commercial partners.
Possible time frame: weeks, if those conditions hold.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
Choose a country to check how this event could affect you.
What changes the outlook
Risk increases if…
Foreign airports and suppliers stop serving Iranian carriers after September 23.
Additional financial or aviation sanctions are imposed on facilitators and service providers.
Pressure eases if…
The United States delays, narrows or does not enforce the announced restrictions.
Foreign operators continue providing services despite the stated sanctions risk.
The details behind the risk
Open a detail to see which references were used. The source list includes available excerpts and links to the original articles.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said all Iranian commercial airlines would be shut down worldwide beginning September 23. [1][2][3]
References for this detail (3)
- All Iranian Airlines to shut down worldwide by wednesday (Sept 23), US treasury chief saysthestar.com.my · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
- EE.UU. anuncia un bloqueo mundial a las aerolíneas iraníesactualidad.rt.com · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
- US says all Iranian airlines to be 'shut down' Wednesdaydailysabah.com · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
Bessent said foreign operators could risk losing access to the US banking system if they refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing facilities or sell their tickets. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- All Iranian Airlines to shut down worldwide by wednesday (Sept 23), US treasury chief saysthestar.com.my · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
- EE.UU. anuncia un bloqueo mundial a las aerolíneas iraníesactualidad.rt.com · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
The announcement was described as part of wider US economic measures targeting Iran’s civil aviation network and financing channels. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- All Iranian Airlines to shut down worldwide by wednesday (Sept 23), US treasury chief saysthestar.com.my · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
- EE.UU. anuncia un bloqueo mundial a las aerolíneas iraníesactualidad.rt.com · Sep 21, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC
Context from the sources
Iranian officials had not immediately issued a public response to the planned aviation restrictions in the cited material. [1]
The measure was presented as part of Washington’s broader sanctions campaign against Tehran, including action against alleged facilitators in several countries. [2]
Explore the reporting
3 source links · 3 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Publication timeline
Oldest to newest among the references used here. These are publication times, not a chronology of the incident. A later article may repeat earlier information.
- [1] All Iranian Airlines to shut down worldwide by wednesday (Sept 23), US treasury chief saysthestar.com.myReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3
- [3] US says all Iranian airlines to be 'shut down' Wednesdaydailysabah.comReferenced for: detail 1
- [2] EE.UU. anuncia un bloqueo mundial a las aerolíneas iraníesactualidad.rt.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3
Still unclear
Whether the threatened shutdown will take effect as described and how foreign governments, airports and airlines will respond.
Which Iranian routes, carriers and passengers would be affected first.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (3)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
ISTANBUL (Bernama-Anadolu): Operations of all Iranian commercial airlines will shut down globally beginning Wednesday (Sept 23), United States (US) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday,…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
El secretario del Tesoro de EE.UU., Scott Bessent, afirmó este lunes que, a partir del miércoles, las aerolíneas iraníes quedarán bloqueadas en todo el mundo.…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
AI-assisted analysis · Sep 21, 2026, 3:12 PM UTC. Based on linked headlines and available excerpts. Methodology · Report an error.