Turkish authorities have detained a Boeing 737 aircraft belonging to Iran's Caspian Airlines at Istanbul Airport due to an unpaid debt of approximately 3.4 million USD, according to reports from both countries. The aircraft was prepared for departure when officials executed a court-issued seizure order, disrupting the airline’s operations. Caspian Airlines confirmed that the aircraft faced "temporary operational restrictions" linked to an administrative issue in Turkey, specifically related to a debt for airport services.
The incident delayed passengers and led to the aircraft's return to Iran. Iranian media and airline representatives stated that the plane was not subjected to new US sanctions, which have recently aimed to restrict Iranian airline operations. The US sanctions, announced earlier in September, seek to cut off Iran's airlines from the dollar-dominated global financial system, yet Turkish authorities have not fully implemented these measures.
Iranian and Turkish airlines continue to operate flights between the two countries, though some carriers such as Mahan Air have suspended services at Ankara's request. The situation underscores ongoing tensions over US sanctions and their impact on Iran's aviation sector. Authorities have yet to comment publicly on the seizure, pending further investigation or resolution.
