The Nigerian government is investigating Azman Air following allegations that the airline helped Iran bypass international sanctions.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that Azman Air facilitated the delivery of a passenger aircraft to Iran, in direct violation of US sanctions.
The delivery reportedly occurred on November 15, 2024, when an Airbus A340-642, flown by Azman Air, was sent to Mahan Air, Iran’s largest airline.
Mahan Air has long been accused of using aircraft for military and cargo operations tied to Iran’s controversial activities.
According to a report from the Middle East Forum Observer, the Azman Air aircraft was flying from Kano, Nigeria, to Kabul, Afghanistan, before it diverted its flight path to Tehran, Iran.
Once the plane entered Iranian airspace, the flight crew reportedly turned off its transponder, making it harder to track.
Despite these efforts to avoid detection, the plane eventually landed at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the investigation but clarified that issues related to smuggling fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
“The NCAA is not directly involved with this matter unless proven to involve aviation regulation violations. However, allegations of smuggling are under Customs,” said Mike Achimugu, the NCAA spokesperson.
The involvement of Azman Air raises serious concerns as Iran has faced heavy sanctions imposed by the United States for its links to terrorism and military operations.
Mahan Air, the airline at the heart of the controversy, has been identified by the US government for its ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an entity designated as a terrorist organization.
The aircraft in question, an Airbus A340-642, is a widebody plane with a capacity of 308 passengers.
This model is particularly useful for Mahan Air’s operations, especially its cargo and military transport missions.
The alleged incident is part of a broader pattern of Iranian sanctions evasion through African and Asian air carriers.
Reports indicate that Iranian officials have been using airlines in countries like Nigeria, Gambia, and Indonesia to acquire planes that are then smuggled into Iran.
Mahan Air has reportedly been seeking more Airbus A340-642 aircraft, in part to maintain its fleet of planes that transport cargo, weapons, and military personnel to regions such as Syria and Lebanon.
According to an anonymous source within Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, Mahan Air plans to continue acquiring similar aircraft to strengthen its operations.
“This is not just an isolated event; it is part of a broader effort by Iran to circumvent sanctions,” the source said.
In December 2024, French authorities intercepted another Azman Air aircraft, which was about to be sent to Iran via Kaduna, Nigeria.
The aircraft had been due to undergo a re-registration process before being flown to Tehran.
The use of African carriers by Iran to skirt sanctions is not new.
In fact, the US Treasury Department has highlighted how Iranian airlines exploit gaps in international aviation enforcement to maintain their operations.
Azman Air, Nigeria’s seventh-largest airline, now faces scrutiny for its alleged role in these operations.
While the Nigerian government investigates, the wider international community is calling for greater vigilance in monitoring air traffic in Africa.
Aviation experts argue that tracking these planes is essential to prevent the further spread of Iran’s military influence in the region.
These allegations also shine a light on the growing diplomatic and military ties between Iran and certain African nations, including Nigeria.
Iran is seeking to increase its influence in sub-Saharan Africa, exploiting countries that may be less vigilant about enforcing international sanctions.
The United States has long accused Iran of attempting to bypass sanctions using sophisticated methods, such as employing front companies and intermediaries.
The ongoing investigation into Azman Air adds to growing concerns about Iran’s ability to operate undetected in parts of Africa.
