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, landed at Imam Khomeini International Airport, marking the gradual return of reputable international carriers to Iran. Qatar Airways had suspended its flights earlier on June 12.
In addition to Qatar Airways, Lufthansa also resumed its flights to Tehran in early August, while Air India and Flydubai restarted their operations in July. Meanwhile, unlike other airlines, Afghanistan’s Kam Air continued its Kabul–Tehran flights without interruption.
Analysts believe this return could have a significant impact on Iran’s tourism and trade sectors. The suspension of flights over the past two months inflicted heavy losses on the tourism economy and hospitality industry. However, the resumption of flights has revived hopes for increased arrivals of foreign visitors to destinations such as Persepolis and Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
In the business sphere, economic actors have also welcomed this development. Iran, serving as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia, plays an important role in regional trade, and the disruption of flights had created serious obstacles for business travel and trade agreements. With the reopening of air routes, commercial exchanges are now expected to become smoother once again.
Passports Left Stranded in Embassies
WANA (Aug 12) – Following recent regional events and Israel’s 12-day assault on Iran, visa issuance at many foreign embassies has been suspended, leaving thousands of Iranian passports stuck inside diplomatic buildings. This situation—alongside the cancellation of over 250 international flights and the airlines’ and hotels’ combined debt of 60 billion tomans to travelers—has caused […]
Despite these positive developments, experts advise travelers to remain cautious, as geopolitical conditions could still cause sudden changes in flight schedules. Health precautions, travel insurance, and allowing extra time for security checks are also strongly recommended.
Observers note that the return of international flights to Iran is not merely a transportation shift but also carries a political message—a signal of Iran’s reintegration into global networks and an attempt to ease tensions.
It is worth noting that the aviation industry, with an annual revenue of $3.5 trillion, accounts for about 4.1% of global GDP. Beyond airlines, the sector also plays a critical role in related industries such as airports, tourism, aircraft manufacturing, and logistics, making it a cornerstone of the global economy.
