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British Airways to suspend flights between London and Tehran
The last British Airways flight to Tehran from London will depart on 22 September 2018
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British Airways has announced it will be suspending its flights between London and Iran, citing a lack of “commercial viability".
British Airways currently operates six flights per week in either direction.
The last outbound flight from London to Tehran will depart on 22 September, and the last inbound flight from Tehran will depart on 23 September.
The duration of the suspension period remains unknown.
British Airways made the following statement to The Independent: “We are suspending our London to Tehran service as the operation is currently not commercially viable.
“We are sorry for any disruption this may cause to our customers' travel plans and we are in discussions with our partner airlines to offer customers rebooking options.
“Alternatively, they will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to bring their flights forward.”
British Airways suspended the same service in October 2012 due to political instability in Iran, resuming the route in September 2016.
The decision follows Dutch carrier KLM, which announced last month that it would suspend its Tehran flights due to “negative results and financial outlook”.
UK tour operator Wild Frontiers is making alternative flight arrangements for its Iran-bound customers.
Jonny Bealby, Wild Frontier founder, described the suspension as “a massive shame".
“We have sent over 1,500 people to Iran without incident over the last 10 years,” he adds.
"The great thing about travel is it breaks down borders and transcends geopolitical disputes. Time and time again our clients return saying the Iranian people were the friendliest they had ever met. The Persian hospitality is legendary,” says Bealby.
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