Mahan Air scam - total loss of int. ticket

Hi, I wonder if there is anybody else affected of Manah Air flight ban from all over the EU? I by myself did buy a Düsseldorf - Theran return ticket in August. From early September the airline was banned due to security reasons from all airports withhin the EU. I instandly canceled my flight and asked for full refund. Mahan office in Düsseldorf told me, that of course the money will be transfered to my bank account. This promise is given 6 weeks ago. Nothing happend, the help desk in düsseldorf put off, telling to have more patience. Meanwhile mahan air suspended their german home page, no phone calls, no e-mail response. I gues, they are back in Iran with suitcases full of Euros from all the cheated customers.
This is the biggest scam wich ever happend to me during my "travel life".
Nevertheless on Nov the first I will come to Tehran by Iran Air fom Cologne, and yes, I've got a pretty nice visa in my passport.

If there are any similar expiriences, would be nice to know about.

Thanks for replys

kind regards from germany

We were flying out of Bangkok in mid September on Mahan and a couple of people were pulled aside to be advised that their onward flight to Duselforf was cancelled....but they were put up in a hotel and another flight was arranged...so I am not sure if that was the start of the restrictions (which are apparently because of Iranian politics...Iran Air is the govt carrier etc). We found the airline to be very good for us (but then again my partner is a pilot and the boys look after their own!) The flights were all completely booked from Tehran to Bangkok so they are doing something right!

One possible avenue you could try is contacting the Bangkok centre as they have people who speak english there. They were excellent with us. Just remember that not alot happens quickly in Iran and you really do need to be persistant and friendly. Also their banking system does not correspond with any of the western world so maybe suggest that you can pick up the refund in Iran or something. Always ask if there is anything you can do to expidite the process and assist. The key is to not let people lose face and be polite.

Good luck with everything and it's really unfortunate that this has happened.

that's aweful! so sorry to hear that. but as previeous reply suggest, mahan air is official gov. airline, and still has offices in many countries. if you're still planning to go to Iran, I would go to Mahan's Main office in Terhran and ask for refund there. they should give back the money, otherwise travellers will boycott them :P right? the thing is Iran's banks are also closed in EU/ US/Etc... so now with the sanctions they're having a major problem on their hand! but doen't mean they can't refun the ticket or give full vacation package once in Iran. they got banks there, right?

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I believe Mahan Air are trying hard at the moment to be reissued with EU approvals to fly to their European destinations. They have told local papers that the security issue raised by the EU was an excuse for a political gesture to further isolate Iran and that they are entirely safe. I do not know whether or their claim is right but they have not had any incidents in their history (about 20 years) which has led to passenger fatalities or injuires, which is a good record for Iranian airlines.

As they are desperate to obtain their approvals to restart services, you have a very good chance of getting your money back. You should note that Mahan Air did not run their own offices in Europe but subcontracted / outsourced these to local agents, although I do not know the exact arrangements.