Iran has begun restoring international air travel operations, with Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran resuming limited outbound flights on Saturday morning, according to state broadcaster IRIB.
The first departures since the disruption were bound for Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina, marking a cautious return to international connectivity after weeks of halted operations due to regional conflict.
The resumption follows confirmation by Ramin Kashef Azar, who told the Iranian Labor News Agency a day earlier that foreign passenger flights would restart on Saturday. Authorities described the move as part of a phased reopening of Iran’s airspace and aviation sector.
Air traffic in and out of Iran had been severely disrupted since February 28, when a joint military offensive by the United States and Israel triggered a wider conflict with Iran. The escalation led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran, raising security concerns across the region and forcing airlines to suspend or reroute flights.
The situation has since stabilised following a ceasefire that took effect on April 8, reportedly mediated by Pakistan. While the truce has held, aviation authorities and international carriers have remained cautious, opting for a gradual resumption of services amid lingering uncertainty.
The reopening of Imam Khomeini International Airport is seen as a key step toward restoring normalcy, particularly for travellers and businesses affected by the prolonged disruption. However, officials have not indicated when full flight operations will resume, suggesting that further expansions will depend on security assessments and diplomatic developments.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to sustain the ceasefire and prevent a renewed escalation are ongoing. Representatives from Washington and Tehran recently held talks in Pakistan, with both sides exploring the possibility of further negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is currently in Islamabad as part of continued diplomatic engagements. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital for discussions aimed at maintaining dialogue between the two sides.
Despite these efforts, sources indicate that the prospects for an immediate resumption of direct, high-level negotiations remain uncertain. Analysts say deep divisions persist, and while the ceasefire has created space for diplomacy, a comprehensive agreement may take time to achieve.
The gradual reopening of air travel is nonetheless being viewed as a positive signal, reflecting a degree of stability following weeks of heightened tensions. For now, authorities appear focused on balancing safety concerns with the need to reconnect Iran to key international routes.
As developments continue, aviation operators, diplomats, and regional stakeholders are expected to closely monitor both the security situation and the progress of ongoing talks, which will likely determine the pace of broader recovery in travel and economic activity.
