Iran has partially reopened its airspace to international transit flights, allowing aircraft to pass through the eastern section of the country for the first time in weeks, according to the nation’s Civil Aviation Authority.
“Air routes in the eastern section of the country's airspace are open for international flights transiting through Iran,” the authority said, adding that some airports resumed operations at 7 a.m. local time.
Despite the move, flight tracking data showed limited immediate activity, with several international carriers still avoiding Iranian airspace and opting for longer alternative routes.
Media reports said operations have restarted at six airports, signalling a cautious return to normal aviation activity as regional tensions remain high. According to the Association of Iranian Airlines, the airports include Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, along with facilities in Mashhad, Birjand, Gorgan, and Zahedan.
Airlines are preparing to resume both domestic and international services, with Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoting the association’s secretary as saying carriers are ready to restart flights.
The reopening comes as a fragile ceasefire continues to hold in the wider conflict involving the United States and Israel. Iran’s airspace had remained closed since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes on the country began.
According to Al Jazeera, flight radar data showed at least two aircraft crossing Iranian skies in recent hours following the partial reopening, marking an early step toward restoring normal operations.
The area around Mehrabad airport saw heavy bombardment during the 40-day conflict involving US and Israeli strikes. Its continued functionality is being viewed as significant, given the damage to infrastructure during the fighting.