As reported by Arman-e Emrooz, the official claims, “Air travel is a luxury and only a select group of society can afford it.” He attributes the strain on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves to foreign airlines operating domestic routes, calling it unconstitutional.
The bleak economic scenario paints a picture of disparity and daily struggles. With the poverty line surpassing 20 million tomans, luxury’s definition has broadened. Essentials, such as offal soup, once a staple, are now seen as luxury foods due to rampant inflation.
One of the most tangible indicators of this dire situation is the 300% price surge of meat over the past half-decade. For many Iranians, this once-basic food item has become an unattainable luxury. Arman-e Emrooz poignantly highlights how, even in reruns of old TV series, the prices of houses are censored – a testimony to their unreachable status for the common man.
Historically, since Khomeini’s regime took the reins, there has been a tangible decline in the average Iranian’s quality of life. The majority, already living in poverty during the Shah’s era, have seen their struggles intensify, with prices skyrocketing for almost all goods. The result? A larger segment of the population plummeting below the poverty line.
The downturn is glaringly evident in the air travel sector. In 2022, air travelers in Iran accounted for only 27% of total travel, with most resorting to the country’s dangerous land routes, infamously referred to as ‘death roads’.
In stark contrast, Europe saw about 1.2 billion passengers using its airports in 2023, a 40% jump from the previous year. As per the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in America, air travel dominates with a whopping 90% share.
The revelation by the head of the Planning and Budget Organization is a grim reflection of the current state of affairs in Iran. The dystopian fear that even breathing might soon be considered a luxury looms large.
In the face of these daunting challenges, the Iranian people remain resilient, even as they navigate one of the most oppressive regimes in their nation’s history. The rapidly deteriorating economy has made even the most basic commodities a dream for many, deepening the divide between necessity and luxury.
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