WANA (Jul 15) – Out of approximately 150 total aircraft currently in Iran, roughly half are operational while the remaining half are undergoing maintenance and technical flight checks to return to service, according to the latest official figures. Additionally, fewer than 10 aircraft sustained damage due to enemy attacks during the recent military conflict.

 

The number of active and operational aircraft is considered one of the most critical indicators of aviation industry health—a metric that constantly fluctuates based on spare parts availability, major overhauls, periodic checks, and overall fleet conditions.

 

For decades, Iran’s aviation industry has navigated severe challenges under international sanctions, which have depleted the national fleet and accelerated the aging of its aircraft.

 

Last year, the Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s Civil Development Commission stated that the average age of the country’s active fleet exceeds 20 years, falling short of national demand. He noted at the time that the country had only about 70 fully active aircraft, whereas the domestic market requires a minimum of 500.

 

However, estimates regarding Iran’s actual fleet requirements vary widely among experts, with some aviation analysts arguing that fewer than 200 high-efficiency aircraft would be sufficient to meet the country’s current needs.

 

The head of the Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) of Iran, Shiroodi, previously stated that the country maintains an operational pool of around 150 aircraft that rotate through active service and routine maintenance.

 

In his latest remarks addressing grounded aircraft, Shiroodi explained that the number of grounded planes changes dynamically on a daily basis due to scheduled maintenance cycles.

 

“We cannot provide a fixed, permanent number,” Shiroodi said. “However, roughly half of our existing aircraft are currently operational, while the other half are stationed at maintenance centers undergoing technical and flight checks to safely re-enter service.”

 

Impact of Recent Conflict

The CAO chief also addressed the status of aircraft damaged during the recent military conflict, noting that the scale of damage ranges from minor to severe.

 

“The number of active, operational aircraft that sustained damage during the hostilities is fewer than 10,” Shiroodi confirmed.

 

Ultimately, aviation officials emphasize that the grounding of a significant portion of Iran’s fleet does not necessarily mean these aircraft are permanently decommissioned. Instead, a large majority are temporarily pulled from service for routine inspections and safety overhauls before being cleared to fly again.