Iran resumes flights from Tehran as air travel gradually recovers

Iran has restarted commercial flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport, marking the first resumption of operations since the conflict involving the United States and Israel disrupted aviation across the region nearly two months ago.

Initial departures included international services to Istanbul, Muscat and Medina. State carrier Iran Air also resumed domestic operations, operating its first flight to Mashhad after a 56-day interruption.

Authorities say additional routes to destinations such as Baku, Baghdad, Najaf and Doha will follow in the coming days as services are gradually restored.

Officials indicated that eastern regions of Iran will initially play a key role in rebuilding the network, with airports in cities such as Mashhad, Zahedan and Kerman acting as operational hubs. Discussions are also underway with foreign airlines to restore transit traffic through Iranian airspace.

The restart comes after weeks of severe disruption to Middle Eastern aviation, with widespread airspace closures forcing mass cancellations and large-scale repatriation efforts. While some countries in the region have partially reopened their airspace, the recovery remains fragile amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

At the same time, the conflict has triggered broader industry concerns, including a potential jet fuel shortage linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines globally are already adjusting operations in response to rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty, highlighting the wider impact of the crisis on international air travel.