Mahan Air

Mahan Air has a documented safety record with several notable incidents and regulatory challenges. The airline maintains a "Safety Rating" of 5/7 from Airline Ratings, last updated in February 2024.

Recent safety record and any notable incidents:

• In June 2014, an Airbus A310 was struck by a passenger bus while parked at Tehran-Imam Khomeini International Airport. The same aircraft experienced an engine failure in October 2015 during a flight from Tehran, necessitating an emergency landing.
• On July 23, 2020, a Mahan Air Airbus A310 was escorted by American fighter jets over Syrian airspace, resulting in three reported injuries upon landing in Beirut.
• A bomb threat on a Mahan Air Airbus A340 traveling from Tehran to Guangzhou on October 3, 2022, led to the Indian Air Force scrambling fighter jets. The threat was later determined to be a hoax.
• On December 26, 2022, a Mahan Air Airbus A340 was reportedly ordered to land at Kish International Airport by Iranian authorities to prevent passengers from leaving the country.
• On March 5, 2023, a Mahan Air Airbus A340-642 experienced a fire indication for engine no. 3 during a flight from Tehran to Beijing, prompting an emergency landing in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• Other incidents include a tail strike on landing in June 2018 and overrunning a displaced runway end in May 2019.

Regulatory certifications and status:

• Mahan Air joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2001.
• The airline has faced significant international sanctions and bans. On December 12, 2011, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Mahan Air as a material and transportation supporter of terrorism, citing its provision of financial, material, and technological support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF).
• In January 2019, Germany banned Mahan Air from landing, citing concerns about its involvement in Syria and security. France and Italy followed suit with similar bans in March and November 2019, respectively.
• In October 2024, the European Union imposed sanctions on Mahan Air for allegedly supplying missiles and drones to Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
• Saudi Arabia banned Mahan Air from its airspace in 2024 following an audit that uncovered 15 safety violations.

Fleet age and maintenance reputation: Due to international trade sanctions, Mahan Air often acquires second-hand aircraft. Despite this, the airline has undertaken efforts to modernize its fleet since 2006. While some older traveler reviews mentioned concerns about the age and cleanliness of aircraft, more recent feedback frequently describes well-maintained and clean cabins. The airline has its own repair and maintenance center.

Overall safety assessment: Mahan Air holds a 5/7 safety rating from Airline Ratings. However, the airline's safety profile is complicated by numerous serious incidents and widespread international sanctions and bans imposed by the U.S. and several European and Middle Eastern countries, often citing security concerns and alleged support for various entities. These regulatory actions and reported incidents indicate a need for continuous scrutiny regarding its operational safety and adherence to international aviation standards. No specific safety awards or recognitions were found in the research.