Tehran airport set to resume international flights

International air travel from Iran’s main gateway is gradually returning to normal, as flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport are scheduled to resume on Saturday following weeks of disruption.

According to reports by Iranian Students' News Agency, the first outbound international services will connect Tehran with Istanbul and Muscat, marking a cautious but significant step towards restoring regular air links.

Iran had suspended much of its air traffic after closing its airspace during the recent US-Israeli war with Iran, which began on February 28. The shutdown severely affected both domestic and international travel, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights across the region.

Since a ceasefire took hold, authorities have been reopening the country’s airspace in phases, prioritising safety assessments and operational readiness. The resumption of flights from Tehran signals growing confidence among aviation authorities, though operations are expected to ramp up gradually rather than return immediately to full capacity.

Signs of recovery have already emerged outside the capital. Officials earlier announced that Mashhad International Airport, serving Iran’s second-largest city in the northeast, would reopen at the start of the week. Flight tracking data on Friday indicated at least two international departures from Mashhad, with aircraft heading to Turkey and Oman.

Aviation analysts say the staggered reopening reflects ongoing caution amid regional tensions, as well as the logistical challenges of restarting flight schedules, repositioning aircraft and ensuring passenger safety.

For travellers, the reopening offers the first opportunity in weeks to resume direct international journeys from Iran, although airlines are likely to operate limited schedules initially. Authorities are expected to expand routes and frequency in the coming days, depending on demand and the broader security situation.

The phased return of flights is being closely watched by regional carriers and international partners, as it signals a tentative stabilisation of air travel routes disrupted by the conflict.