Iranian Airlines Plan Return to European Skies
WANA (Nov 04) – As Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, resumes its direct flights to Tehran, several Iranian carriers are also preparing to restart routes to European destinations — a move that could signal a gradual revival of air links between Iran and Europe.
The Austrian carrier has begun operating limited weekly flights, but according to company officials, there is potential for expansion in the coming months as part of its broader Middle East growth strategy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Austrian Airlines was among the few European carriers that maintained direct connections with Iran and, even during the sanctions period, served as a vital air bridge between Tehran and Europe.
In this context, Ramin Kashaf-Azar, head of Imam Khomeini International Airport City, confirmed ongoing talks with Lufthansa, noting that direct Tehran–Frankfurt flights are likely to resume in mid-December.
Return of International Airlines to Iran’s Skies
WANA (Aug 20) – After a two-month suspension of foreign flights due to political tensions and the recent 12-day war between Iran and the Israeli regime, major airlines have resumed operations in Iranian airspace. According to reports, the first international flight was operated by Qatar Airways on August 16, 2025. The flight, numbered QTR498, […]
Meanwhile, Iranian airlines are also charting a path back to Europe. Siamand Abdollahzadeh, CEO of Qeshm Air, stated that the airline is exploring several new European destinations. “Qeshm Air is currently planning routes to Muscat, Belarus, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Pakistan, other Persian Gulf countries, and some European destinations,” he said.
Abdollahzadeh noted that “although the recent conflict has complicated European operations, negotiations are underway to minimize challenges and restore these routes.”
He also described how the company swiftly adapted to regional disruptions: “When Tehran’s and western Iran’s airspace were temporarily closed, Qeshm Air relocated its operations from Tehran to Mashhad within 48 hours and launched the Mashhad–Istanbul route, allowing stranded passengers in Turkey to return home.”
At the same time, the airline expanded domestic routes such as Mashhad–Zahedan and Mashhad–Gorgan, extending coverage across Iran’s eastern and southern regions.
With Austrian Airlines resuming operations and Lufthansa expected to follow, industry experts believe that successful negotiations between Iranian and European carriers could soon reopen the skies of Europe to Iranian airlines — marking an important step toward stability and the gradual reconstruction of Iran’s air network after years of restrictions.
