Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has removed 41 McDonnell Douglas MD aircraft from operational service because of engine-related technical requirements and a shortage of replacement parts. The aircraft are operated by 12 Iranian airlines, including Ata Airlines, Kish Air and Zagros Airlines. The grounding affects about 40% of Iran’s active passenger-fleet capacity and could lead to schedule changes, cancellations and reduced domestic connectivity.
Iran has 55 MD aircraft in its fleet, of which 41 had been active before their three-month operating authorisations expired in Shahrivar and were not renewed. The aircraft use Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 engines, whose compressor and turbine components are increasingly difficult to obtain after production ended and international supply restrictions disrupted procurement.
Technical documentation and alternative compliance procedures reportedly allow continued operation with frequent inspections until December 2027. However, the absence of standard replacement parts led to the withdrawal of the aircraft rather than an extension of their approvals. Domestic and foreign replacement components have been developed, but the available parts have not received the operational approval required for use.
The decision is expected to affect about 5,000 aviation-sector employees directly and place additional pressure on airlines already operating under sanctions, high maintenance costs and limited access to aircraft and engine components. No direct confirmation from the Civil Aviation Organization or the affected airlines was available.