Caspian Airlines (, Havâpeymâyi-ye Kâspian) is an airline headquartered in the Iranian capital of Tehran.[1] Established in 1993, it operates services between Tehran and other major cities in Iran as well as international flights to Turkey and Iraq. Its main base is Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran.[2]
As of December 2016, Caspian Airlines is prohibited by the US Department of Treasury from engaging in any transaction of any type with foreign entities; for providing support to IRGC elements by transporting personnel and illicit material, including weapons, from Iran to Syria.[3]
History
The airline was established in 1993 and commenced operations in September 1993. It was set up as a joint venture between Iranian and Russian interests. Caspian Airlines finished building its headquarters in 1993. Later this tower was exchanged with three Tupolev-154s from Mahan Air.
In 2009 Caspian Airlines flight 7908 a TU 154 crashed killing all 168 occupants onboard. Along with this Iran banned certain Russian aircraft from being leased to Iranian Airlines.