Families of Ukrainian Plane Victims React to Lufthansa Flight Suspension; Azmat Azdari: Iran's Sky is Not Safe

Following the escalation of regional tensions and the Islamic Republic of Iran's promise of retaliation, which led to security measures by the international airline Lufthansa, some members of the families seeking justice for flight PS752 deemed Iran's airspace unsafe under current conditions. Azmat Azdari, a family member of the victims of the Ukrainian plane, in an interview with VOA, recalled these conditions as reminiscent of the 'bitter days' that led to the IRGC's missile attack on the Ukrainian plane, resulting in the deaths of all 176 passengers. He, who lost his sister Ghanimat Azdari in the IRGC's missile attack, stated on Thursday, April 23, that 'it is logical for anyone who cares about their life and their loved ones to cancel their flights these days to avoid being targeted by the Islamic Republic.' This family member also emphasized that contrary to all countries in the world that prioritize the safety of their citizens, the Islamic Republic only engages in killing, execution, and torture of its citizens. Shahnaz Moratab, another family member of the victims of flight PS752, also stated on Thursday, April 23, that the current situation evokes the tragedy of the Ukrainian plane's downing in 2019. Shahnaz described the passengers of the Ukrainian plane as a human shield for the Islamic Republic against American attacks and noted that this tragedy has made Iranian citizens more vigilant, saying that people are warning each other on social media not to fly. Hamed Ismailion, another family member of the victims of flight PS752, previously issued a similar warning to Iranian citizens on the social media platform 'X' regarding the suspension of Lufthansa flights to Tehran. He wrote: 'Civilians are the most vulnerable targets of the Islamic Republic and the criminal commanders of the IRGC. Cancel your domestic and international flights for yourself and your loved ones.' Lufthansa, one of the most reputable international airlines, announced on Thursday, April 23, to VOA's Persian section that after a thorough assessment, it has extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran until Sunday, April 26. Meanwhile, Mehrabad Airport announced on April 23 that flight operations at this airport on Wednesday, April 22, 1403, were conducted normally, similar to previous days. Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, which mainly handles domestic flights, did not provide any explanation regarding the possibility of security measures and flight suspensions in the coming days. Following the airstrike on April 13 against the Islamic Republic's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of at least six IRGC commanders, Tehran has threatened retaliation; a threat that has heightened tensions in the Middle East. A phone call between the foreign ministers of Germany and Iran; Baerbock called for 'maximum restraint' from all parties. Exclusive; Lufthansa to VOA: Suspension of flights to Iran extended until Sunday, April 26. Lufthansa of Germany to VOA: Due to 'current regional conditions,' flights to and from Iran have been temporarily canceled. The Middle East is at risk of 'crisis escalation'; the U.S. message to the Islamic Republic through Arab allies: Avoid escalating tensions with Israel.