“Airlines are only allowed to operate repatriation flights to return their citizens to their countries,” the official told Fars News Agency.
Turkey has also cancelled Iraq and Afghanistan flights, and has failed to provide a date for the resumption of flights.
This comes as Qatar Airways continues to operate Tehran-Doha-Istanbul and Tehran-Doha-Belgrade-Istanbul flights. Normally, plane tickets get more expensive when fewer airlines offer services so Qatar Airways fares are bound to go up soon.
“A full refund must be provided by airlines to passengers who have already purchased tickets; passengers have a right to reschedule for future flights as well,” Asadi-Samani said.
Turkey had cancelled the resumption of flights to and from Iran several times before, following the outbreak of the new coronavirus after initially setting dates.