Iran Reopens Airspace for Domestic and International Flights

Tehran’s primary air gateway has reopened. After a nearly two‑month suspension, Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) restarted international passenger flights on Saturday, April 25, 2026 – ending a pause of more than 50 days .

The airport’s infrastructure and navigation systems are fully operational, and officials have confirmed that there are “no issues for conducting flights” . The resumption is being carried out in a phased, cautious manner, overseen by the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization .

First Destinations & Flight Plans

The very first flights out of IKA took off early on the morning of April 25, bound for three regional destinations:

• Istanbul, Turkey

• Muscat, Oman

• Baku, Azerbaijan

• Najaf, Iraq

 

Advice for Travelers

For international visitors planning to travel to Iran, here is some practical guidance given the current situation:

✅ What to Do

• Book flights through only Iranian airlines like Iran Air, Mahan Air, Meraj or ATA.

• Stay flexible – schedules may change, and some routes are being restored gradually.

• Allow extra time at the airport for enhanced security checks and potential delays.

 

What This Means for Travel to Iran

The resumption of operations at IKA is a major step in Iran’s return to normalcy. Six airports across the country have been reopened – including Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad in Tehran, Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan, and Zahedan – as airlines prepare to resume domestic and international flights .

Iran Air began restoring domestic passenger services on the same day, with the first flight on the Tehran–Mashhad route, and plans to gradually expand to other cities .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is IKA airport now fully operational?
A: Yes, international passenger flights at IKA resumed on April 25, 2026, ending a more than 50‑day hiatus. The resumption is being carried out in a phased manner, with a four‑stage plan to gradually restore full operations .

Q: Which destinations are currently available from IKA?
A: Initial flights have departed for Istanbul (Turkey) and Muscat (Oman). Additional destinations, including Baku, Najaf and Baghdad, are expected to be added in the coming days .

Q: Which airlines are operating these flights?
A: Iran Air and Mahan Air are leading the first wave of departures. There is no international flights operation to travel to Iran. 

Q: Are domestic flights also resuming?
A: Yes. Six airports have been reopened, including Mehrabad in Tehran, Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan, and Zahedan. Iran Air is gradually restoring domestic services, starting with the Tehran‑Mashhad route .

Q: What about road travel through neighboring countries?
A: Overland borders are also gradually reopening, though travelers should verify specific crossing status before travel.