WANA (Sep 09) – With the landing of an Iran Airtour passenger flight from Tehran at Islamabad International Airport, the capitals of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan were officially connected by direct air service—a new step expected to boost economic activity, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two neighboring countries.

 

An Airbus A300 aircraft operated by Iran Airtour touched down at 5:53 a.m. local time on Tuesday at Islamabad International Airport. The flight marks the formal launch of direct air travel between Tehran and Islamabad, opening a new chapter in strengthening ties between the two nations.

 

A special welcoming ceremony was held at the airport’s VIP lounge with the participation of Nabi Shirazi, Deputy Ambassador of Iran in Pakistan, officials from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, and the Iran Airtour crew. The Iranian aircraft was greeted with a traditional “water salute” upon arrival.

 

Simultaneously, 240 passengers boarded the return flight from Islamabad to Tehran, benefiting from the new direct route that reduces both travel time and costs.

 

Officials expect the new service to facilitate trade and economic cooperation while also promoting tourism and cultural exchange between Iran and Pakistan.

 

With the launch of the Tehran–Islamabad flight, the number of direct connections between the two countries has increased to four. Currently, Iran Air operates a weekly Mashhad–Karachi round trip, Taban Airlines runs a weekly Mashhad–Lahore service, and Mahan Air offers a weekly Tehran–Lahore flight.

 

The development follows last month’s visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, during which the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to expand transportation cooperation, including the establishment of new direct flight routes.

President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif. Social media/ WANA News Agency

President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif. Social media/ WANA News Agency