Iran grounds 41 passenger planes over safety concerns

Iran has taken 41 passenger planes out of service because of safety concerns.

The aircraft are made by McDonnell Douglas, and possible engine defects are at issue.

Sara Fallah, a member of parliament’s national security commission, said security authorities had warned the civil aviation regulator about the risks of operating them.

She criticized airlines for putting commercial concerns ahead of passenger safety and rejecting the high cost of spare parts as a reason to keep the planes flying.

Iran’s airlines have faced difficulties maintaining aircraft and obtaining parts because of international sanctions.

The United States has recently imposed broader sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector, and its Treasury secretary warned other countries against providing services to Iranian airlines.

The account does not say when the planes might return to service.