Tehran announced the resumption of direct flights between Iran and Western Europe starting in January 2025, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA. Hossein Pourfarzaneh, head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), confirmed that the first connection will be operated by the private airline Iran Airtour Airlines on the Tehran-Paris route, scheduled for January 31.
During a press conference in Tehran, Pourfarzaneh indicated that another Iranian airline, Qeshm Air, will also resume flights to two European destinations, though further details on these routes have not been disclosed.
Suspension following EU sanctions
Flights between Iran and Europe were suspended in October 2024 due to sanctions imposed by the European Union over allegations that Iran had supplied drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. Tehran has strongly denied these accusations.
Pourfarzaneh described the restrictions as "unprofessional and cruel," adding that the resumption of operations is the result of a month of negotiations led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Civil Aviation Organization, and Iran Airtour Airlines.
The official emphasized that the flights are being reinstated to address "essential needs of the population," including health-related issues and the supply of medicines.
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Iran Air flights in Europe
Until the sanctions, Iran Air’s European network included destinations such as Paris/CDG, Cologne, Rome, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Hamburg, London/LHR, Milan/MXP, and Vienna, operating an average of 24 weekly flights in each direction, offering a capacity of 5,600 seats, according to information obtained by Aviacionline through Cirium.
Outside of Europe, Iran Air also operates regular flights to Dubai, Kuwait, Beirut, Mumbai, Baku, Karachi, and Al Najaf (Iraq).
Among Western European airlines, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa were the only carriers maintaining regular services to Iran, although Lufthansa suspended its operations earlier this year.
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines maintain a robust network connecting Istanbul and Ankara with Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad.
Other Iranian carriers, such as Iran Airtour, Meraj Air, Qeshm Air, ATA Airlines, and Mahan Air, also operate flights to Turkey and Russia. From Russia, airlines such as Aeroflot and Nordwind Airlines provide regular services to Iran.
Next steps in connectivity
Currently, there are no flights between Tehran and London, but Iranian authorities are working to establish this connection soon, according to Pourfarzaneh's statements.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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