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Iran Reopens Mashhad Airport for International Flights from Monday

Iran's Civil Aviation Authority has approved the resumption of international flights from Mashhad International Airport starting Monday. This follows the reopening of eastern Iranian airspace to international flights, though domestic ticket sales remain unauthorized. The decision comes as Iran engages in diplomatic talks with the United States while maintaining military preparedness ahead of a ceasefire expiration. Authorities state flight services will gradually normalize once technical and operational preparations are complete.

Key Points: Iran Resumes International Flights at Mashhad Airport

  • Mashhad airport reopening Monday
  • Eastern airspace reopened
  • Domestic ticket sales still halted
  • Gradual normalization of flights
  • Ceasefire expiry April 22
2 min read

International flights to resume at Mashhad airport from Monday: Iran

Iran's Civil Aviation Authority approves restart of international flights from Mashhad International Airport starting Monday, signaling a gradual return to normal air operations.

"flight services at Iranian airports will gradually return to normal once technical and operational preparations are completed - Iran's Civil Aviation Authority"

Tehran, April 19

Iran's Civil Aviation Authority said Sunday that it has approved the resumption of international flights from Mashhad International Airport in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi from Monday.

The authority, in a statement published on its official website, said the decision follows an earlier announcement that eastern Iranian airspace has been reopened to international flights, Xinhua news agency reported.

It added that some airports resumed operations at 7 a.m. local time (0330 GMT) on Saturday.

The agency said no permission has yet been granted for the sale of tickets for domestic flights.

Iran shut down its airspace after joint US and Israeli strikes started on February 28, halting civilian aviation operations across the country.

The aviation authority said that flight services at Iranian airports will gradually return to normal once technical and operational preparations are completed by military and civilian authorities.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran had indicated that there had been "progress" in its ongoing discussion with the United States, though it stressed that a final agreement is still a long way off, with the current two-week ceasefire due to expire on April 22, according to local media reports.

Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran is pursuing diplomatic efforts while remaining prepared for military confrontation, stressing that Iran does not trust its adversaries and stands ready to respond to further escalation.

In a televised address on Saturday, he said the latest conflict began during negotiations, which he accused the United States of undermining through "deception," according to Tasnim News Agency.

Qalibaf described Iran as having achieved success both "on the ground and in diplomacy," while warning that tensions could escalate at any moment. He said negotiations are continuing alongside what he described as full preparedness for any necessary action.

He also reiterated Iran's distrust of its opponents and said Tehran remains committed to pursuing a lasting peace, while seeking guarantees that would prevent a return to cycles of war, ceasefire and renewed conflict.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see flights resuming. The aviation sector has suffered so much globally. From an Indian perspective, any easing of airspace restrictions in that region is beneficial for our airlines' international routes to Europe and beyond.
A
Aman W
The speaker's statement shows a very precarious situation. "Prepared for military confrontation" while talking peace? It feels like the ceasefire is just a pause. India must watch this closely as it impacts energy security and our diaspora in the region.
S
Sarah B
While reopening airspace is a technical necessity, the underlying political rhetoric is concerning. Accusing the US of "deception" during talks doesn't build trust. Hope diplomacy wins for the sake of innocent civilians and global trade routes.
V
Vikram M
As someone with friends in Tehran, this is a relief. But the article says domestic flight tickets aren't on sale yet? That's the real problem for ordinary Iranians. International flights are for outsiders mostly. The local connectivity must be restored ASAP.
K
Karthik V
India has always advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution. This development, however small, is welcome. Stability in the Middle East is crucial for us. Let's hope the ceasefire holds and becomes permanent. Jai Hind.

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