Passengers asked to leave the aircraft: Turkey seizes Iranian plane

In Istanbul, Turkish bailiffs seized an Iranian Boeing 737 operated by Caspian Airlines before its departure to Iran over a €3 million debt owed to Turkish company ACM Temsil Gözetim. Passengers and crew were asked to leave the aircraft. Iran described the situation as an administrative matter.

In Istanbul, Turkish bailiffs seized an Iranian Boeing 737 operated by Caspian Airlines just before its departure to Iran. Passengers had already taken their seats when representatives of ACM Temsil Gözetim, accompanied by bailiffs, boarded the plane and presented a seizure order. The reason is a debt of approximately €3 million owed by the Iranian carrier to the Turkish company. Passengers and crew members were asked to leave the aircraft and return to the terminal. Iran described the situation as an administrative matter and said it is working on a resolution without disclosing details or timelines. The incident occurs against the backdrop of difficulties for Iranian civil aviation due to the expansion of US sanctions, which have led to restrictions on airspace for Iranian carriers. Turkey remains one of the few accessible destinations. At the end of September, reports emerged about a possible suspension of all Iranian flights to Turkey as early as next week, but there has been no official confirmation from Turkish authorities.