Iran's Air Traffic Decline Highlights Economic Strain Amid Protests and Sanctions
Iran is experiencing a significant reduction in air traffic, particularly in Tehran, due to economic pressures exacerbated by recent protests and U.S. military actions. The Iranian government has faced a wave of protests linked to economic grievances, which have led to a substantial number of flight cancellations. Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport have seen a drastic drop in scheduled flights, with cancellations often exceeding scheduled flights. This decline is attributed to the economic stagnation following the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018. The protests, which began in late December, have further strained the situation, with the Iranian regime responding with a crackdown that included shutting down internet access. 
