Iran Admits 30 Aircraft Were Destroyed During the War Against the US and Israel

Iran has revealed that between 20 and 30 of its aircraft have been destroyed during the war against the United States and Israel since last February.

This damage has exacerbated the situation in Iran’s aviation industry, which has long faced fleet shortages and difficulties in obtaining spare parts due to international sanctions. The statement was issued via the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Monday (19 October).

At a press conference, the CEO of the national airline Iran Air, Taher Abdolhai, stated that Iran requires around 1,000 passenger aircraft to meet its needs. However, the country currently possesses only around 300 aircraft.

Of that number, around 130 to 140 aircraft were in operation before the war. During the conflict, between 20 and 30 aircraft were reportedly destroyed.

Abdolhai also stated that around 70 to 80 aircraft were targeted during the war. He claimed that Israeli attacks caused severe damage to Iran Air’s fleet.

According to Abdolhai, a number of aircraft belonging to other airlines were hit by a single missile, whilst one of Iran Air’s aircraft was completely destroyed.

In addition to war-related damage, Iran Air has faced various operational challenges that have persisted for years.

Abdolhai said that international sanctions and restrictions have gradually weakened the airline’s capabilities, reducing the number of aircraft able to operate and limiting access to profitable flight routes.

Difficulties in obtaining spare parts, financial constraints and staffing issues are also major obstacles for the state-owned airline.

Middle East Monitor reported that Abdolhai stated Iran Air employs more than 9,000 people. He emphasised the need to improve operational efficiency amidst a reduction in the number of aircraft available for use.

Despite facing financial and operational pressures, Abdolhai rejected the idea of privatising Iran Air. He argued that the airline serves strategic national interests that extend beyond commercial aviation.

Furthermore, US sanctions have restricted Iran’s ability to purchase new aircraft, obtain spare parts, access maintenance services and secure international financing.

Washington’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and the reimposition of sanctions have also hampered Iran’s efforts to modernise its fleet. Plans to purchase aircraft from Boeing and Airbus have consequently been disrupted.

As a result, a number of Iranian aircraft are unable to operate, whilst the cost of maintaining the fleet continues to rise.