Tehran: Iran Air, the national airline of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has reported an increase in the number of flights to Istanbul following the imposition of European Union sanctions. The airline announced that it has successfully completed 40 flights to the Turkish city since the sanctions were enforced last month. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran Air revealed plans for 50 flights between Tehran and Istanbul during the period from October 15 to November 6. As of November 3, 40 of these flights had been executed. The airline's revised schedule includes flights on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, operating out of Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. The EU sanctions have resulted in significant challenges for Iranian travelers heading to Europe, as well as Europeans traveling to Iran. Passengers are now compelled to take connecting flights through regional airports. Iranian officials have criticized the sanctions, labeling them as violations of international law and i nfringements on the rights of Iranian citizens.