Turkish Authorities Seize Iranian Passenger Aircraft Over €3 Million Debt
Turkish authorities have seized an Iranian passenger aircraft at Istanbul Airport over an outstanding debt of approximately €3 million. The Caspian Airlines Boeing 737-524, registered as EP-KPB, was preparing to depart for Iran when enforcement officers arrived and ordered passengers to disembark.
The seizure is linked to a court decision that followed legal proceedings by ACM Temsil Gozetim, a Turkish aviation services company, over the debt. The plane had completed preparations and boarded passengers before the enforcement action took place.
Caspian Airlines continues to operate international flights despite facing restrictions due to US sanctions, which have been in place since 2014. Although the airline was not among those newly designated by the US Treasury in September 2026, it has faced ongoing challenges in its operations.