Iranian Plane Detained in Istanbul Over Unpaid Debt

An Iranian passenger plane belonging to Caspian Airlines was detained at Istanbul Airport after a Turkish aviation services company initiated legal proceedings against it. This action stems from an outstanding debt of three million euros owed to the Turkish company, ACM Temsil Gozetim. The aircraft was preparing for takeoff to Iran when lawyers from the Turkish company and enforcement officers arrived at the airport, acting on a court order. The officers immediately ordered passengers to disembark, and they were escorted to the airport lounge, while the plane remained under detention at Istanbul Airport. Caspian Airlines is a prominent Iranian airline established in 1993, headquartered in Tehran. It operates domestic flights within Iran as well as international routes, including destinations in Turkey. The detained aircraft, designated EP-KPB, is a Boeing 737-500 model, and joined the airline's fleet in January 2020.