Iran Resumes International Flights from Mashhad Airport Starting Monday
Synopsis
In a significant development, Iran's Civil Aviation Authority has announced the resumption of international flights from Mashhad International Airport effective Monday. This follows the reopening of eastern Iranian airspace, signaling a cautious step towards normalcy amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Key Takeaways
International flights from Mashhad International Airport resume on Monday.
Iran's airspace was closed due to military actions by the US and Israel.
No domestic flight ticket sales have been authorized yet.
Ongoing discussions with the US show some progress, but challenges remain.
Iran maintains a stance of military readiness amid diplomatic efforts.
Tehran, April 19 (NationPress) - The Civil Aviation Authority of Iran announced on Sunday that it has granted approval for the reinstatement of international flights from Mashhad International Airport, located in the northeastern Khorasan Razavi province, starting from Monday.
According to a statement released on its official website, this decision comes after an earlier notification regarding the reopening of eastern Iranian airspace to international flights, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, it was noted that several airports resumed operations at 7 a.m. local time (0330 GMT) on Saturday.
However, the agency mentioned that no authorization has been issued yet for the sale of tickets for domestic flights.
The airspace was previously closed following joint military actions by the US and Israel that commenced on February 28, which suspended civilian aviation operations throughout the nation.
The aviation authority stated that flight operations at Iranian airports will gradually normalize as soon as technical and operational arrangements are finalized by both military and civilian sectors.
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian officials indicated that there had been some “progress” in their ongoing discussions with the United States, although they emphasized that a conclusive agreement is still far from being reached, with the current two-week ceasefire set to expire on April 22, as per local media reports.
During a televised address on Saturday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf expressed that Tehran is committed to diplomatic avenues while simultaneously being prepared for military action, underlining that Iran does not place trust in its adversaries and is ready to respond to any additional escalations.
Qalibaf remarked that the latest conflict emerged during negotiations, which he accused the United States of undermining through “deceptive” tactics, according to Tasnim News Agency.
He characterized Iran as having achieved success in both “diplomacy and on the battlefield,” while also cautioning that tensions could escalate at any moment. He asserted that negotiations are ongoing alongside full preparedness for any necessary response.
Moreover, he reiterated Iran's skepticism towards its adversaries, stating that Tehran remains dedicated to achieving lasting peace while seeking assurances that would prevent a return to cycles of warfare, ceasefire, and renewed conflict.
Point of View
The resumption of international flights from Mashhad International Airport signifies a cautious yet important step towards re-establishing connectivity and normalcy in the region. The ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States highlight the complexities involved, but this move could pave the way for further discussions and regional stability.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will international flights resume at Mashhad Airport?
International flights at Mashhad International Airport are set to resume on Monday following the approval from Iran's Civil Aviation Authority.
Why was the airspace closed previously?
Iran's airspace was closed due to joint military strikes by the US and Israel, which began on February 28, halting civilian aviation operations across the country.
Are domestic flights also resuming?
As of now, no permissions have been granted for the sale of tickets for domestic flights.
What progress has Iran made in discussions with the US?
Iran has indicated some progress in its ongoing discussions with the United States, although a final agreement is still far off.
What is the current situation regarding tensions in the region?
Tensions remain high, with Iranian officials emphasizing readiness for military action while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
