International flights resume at Mashhad Airport

International air travel is slowly returning to Iran as Mashhad International Airport, located in the northeastern Khorasan Razavi province, officially resumed passenger flights on April 20, 2026.

This move marks a significant step in the country's phased strategy to reopen its airspace following a nationwide closure on February 28, 2026, which occurred after regional armed conflict broke out.

The reopening strategy is currently in its second phase, focusing on eastern airports, while transit flights were prioritized in the first phase.

The reopening coincides with a fragile ceasefire, yet the situation remains delicate.

Furthermore, global uncertainty persists, as some international carriers and aviation agencies, such as Russia's Rosaviatsiya, have not yet lifted their own restrictions on Iranian airspace.