Iran’s Economic Crisis Driving Pilots to Leave for Better Opportunities Overseas: The Dire Impact on the Country’s Human Capital”.

The economic crisis in Iran is driving many Iranian pilots to leave their jobs in search of better opportunities abroad. According to Etemad daily, 47 pilots from a private sector airline and 64 from Iran Air have already made the decision to leave.

The average salary for pilots in Iranian airlines has plummeted from $8,000 before sanctions intensified in 2017 to around $1,000 due to economic mismanagement and the devaluation of the national currency. In neighboring regional airlines, pilots can earn up to $14,000 based on their flight experience.

With over one third of Iranians now living under the poverty line, and many middle class Iranians facing economic hardships, the situation in Iran is becoming increasingly dire. Highly educated professionals, including pilots, are seeking alternative paths to migrate abroad, such as obtaining commercial driver’s licenses.

Recent reports show a growing trend of emigration from Iran, driven by political unrest, economic instability, corruption, and international sanctions. The USA is home to the largest Iranian expatriate community, followed by Canada, Germany, Turkey, and Sweden.

The exodus of skilled professionals like pilots poses a significant threat to Iran’s future. The country is losing valuable human capital at a time when it is most needed. The ongoing economic crisis and mass emigration highlight the critical state of Iran’s economy and the challenges it faces moving forward