Tehran/Berlin, April 25, (dpa/GNA) – International flights took off from Tehran’s international airport on Saturday for the first time, since the war launched by the US and Israel began about two months ago, state media reported.
Aircraft departed from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for Istanbul, Muscat and the Saudi city of Medina, according to state news agency IRNA and state broadcaster IRIB.
Medina is a key destination for Muslims looking to carry out the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Iran closed its airspace to civilian traffic, after the US and Israel began attacking the country on February 28.
Iran responded to the attacks by striking Gulf states allied with the US, resulting in major disruption to global air traffic at key hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Western airlines flying long detours to avoid the region.
The gradual reopening of Iranian airspace comes, amid a ceasefire that took effect on April 8 following mediation by Pakistan.
On Monday, Iran’s aviation authority authorized the airport in Mashhad, in the north-east of the country, to handle international flights, in a bid to relieve pressure on the airport in Tehran.
Despite the opening, European airlines continue to avoid Iranian airspace amid uncertainty over the security situation in the Middle East and an increased threat to civil aviation.
GNA