The European Commission restricts Iran Air fleet from flying into EU
UPI reports the European Commission announced Tuesday that it included Iran Air on its list of restricted airliners because of serious safety concerns. Iran has witnessed around 12 fatal air crashes in the 21st century. The situation is exacerbated by Western restrictions on replacement parts. The ban affects Airbus A320, Boeing 727 and 747 jets - two-thirds of Iran Air's fleet.
The Commission said the ban was on safety grounds, and was not related to sanctions imposed on Iran because of its nuclear programme.
Yesterday an Iranian aviation official accused the UK, Germany and the United Arab Emirates of refusing to supply fuel for Iranian airliners, but UK, Germany and UAE all denied the claim. There were reports, however, that certain refueling companies have refused fueling in compliance with UN sanctions.