Iran has taken a major step toward restoring normal air connectivity, resuming international commercial flights for the first time since February 28, following weeks of airspace disruption caused by US attacks on Iran.
The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization confirmed on Saturday that flights have now resumed to key destinations, including Medina and Istanbul, marking the country’s first international operations since February 28, when air traffic was severely affected after military strikes on Iranian territory.
“Following the reopening of the country’s airspace and the resumption of international flights, services to Medina and Istanbul have been successfully operated,” the authority said, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.
Officials also announced a broader expansion plan, with new routes to Baghdad, Baku, Doha, and Najaf expected to be launched in the coming days as part of a phased recovery of Iran’s aviation network.
The restart follows months of disruption after strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets led to airspace closures, civilian casualties, and widespread suspension of commercial operations.
The two-week ceasefire announced on April 7 between Washington and Tehran has since allowed gradual reopening efforts, though diplomatic talks remain inconclusive.
Iran’s state media reported that flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport also included services to Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina, alongside the resumption of domestic operations such as the Tehran–Mashhad route after a 56-day pause.
Aviation authorities said priority is being given to eastern air corridors and regional hubs, including Mashhad, Zahedan, Kerman, Yazd, and Birjand, as Iran works to rebuild transit capacity and attract foreign carriers back to its airspace.
Despite the reopening, the aviation sector continues to feel the impact of recent conflict, including disrupted routes, rising fuel costs, and ongoing concerns over jet fuel supply constraints across parts of Europe and the Middle East.
