Caspian Airlines plane grounded before takeoff from Istanbul over a €3 million debt

A Boeing 737 operated by Iranian airline Caspian Airlines was grounded Monday at Istanbul Airport after boarding had been completed and the aircraft was preparing to take off. Turkish authorities intervened to prevent the plane from departing following legal proceedings related to a debt of approximately three million euros for airport services.

Passengers were forced to disembark, while lawyers for the creditor company and court enforcement officers arrived at the airport to enforce seizures ordered by a court, according to Anadolu Agency.

Caspian Airlines described the situation as “temporary operational restrictions” caused by an administrative issue in Turkey. Turkish television confirmed the incident and said the debt concerned services provided at Istanbul Airport. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to AFP requests for comment.

The incident comes amid pressure exerted by the United States on Iran’s aviation sector. Washington has sanctioned Iranian airlines and warned foreign operators that provide them with assistance. However, no direct link has been confirmed between the seizure of the aircraft and the U.S. sanctions.

Ankara has not yet suspended all air links with Iran. Several airlines, including Iran Air, continue to operate flights between the two countries. By contrast, Mahan Air recently announced the suspension of all flights to Turkey at the request of the authorities in Ankara.