A government-backed Iranian airline that has flown to and from China as both countries battled worsening coronavirus outbreaks is facing criticism from some prominent Iranians who accuse Mahan Air of risking further spread of the virus in pursuit of profits.
Iranian officials have provided evolving justifications for permitting dozens of such flights since January 31, when the government of President Hassan Rouhani ordered the privately owned airline to stop its China passenger services. The airline responded by announcing it was suspending ticket sales for China passengers until the end of February.
Nevertheless, Mahan Air's flights between the two virus-afflicted countries continued.
