Iran-based Caspian Airlines' passenger aircraft was seized at Istanbul Airport after Turkish aviation services company ACM Temsil Gozetim launched legal proceedings over an outstanding debt of about €3 million ($3.4 million).

Axar.az reports, citing Turkiye Today, that the aircraft was preparing to fly to Iran when lawyers representing the Turkish company and enforcement officers arrived at the airport following a court decision. The plane had already completed preparations and boarded passengers when the enforcement officers carried out the action.

Enforcement officers ordered passengers to disembark upon arrival. Officers escorted them back to the terminal while the aircraft remained at Istanbul Airport under the seizure order.

It should be noted that Turkish ground handling and aviation services company ACM Temsil Gozetim (ACM Air Charter) had filed a lawsuit against Caspian Airlines over an unpaid debt of €3 million.