Tehran, Iran – March 2025 – In a significant development for international air travel, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines will resume flights to Tehran in early March. This move re-establishes direct air links between Iran and Europe, ending a prolonged suspension due to security concerns. It also signals a broader return to stability in regional aviation.
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Flights Resume After a Year of Suspension
Lufthansa will restart operations to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) on March 1, with Austrian Airlines following on March 2. This decision reflects gradual improvements in regional security, allowing European airlines to reintroduce services to Tehran after nearly a year of uncertainty.
The suspension, which began in April 2024, was prompted by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel.
These events led to widespread airspace restrictions. However, recent security assessments have now cleared the way for flights to resume. According to the Iran Airports and Air Navigation Company (IAC), Iran’s airspace has remained stable, accommodating over 700 daily overflights without reported incidents.
Tehran’s Air Travel on the Rise
Tehran’s primary international gateway is experiencing a steady increase in air traffic. Over the first eleven months of the Persian calendar year, IKA handled 47,476 passenger flights, marking a 4.8% rise compared to the previous year.
Cargo transport has also surged, showing a 69% year-over-year increase, highlighting the airport’s growing role in regional trade and logistics.
In total, 7.38 million passengers traveled through IKA in the past year, reflecting a 5.3% growth. This upward trend underscores Iran’s efforts to enhance its aviation sector and meet increasing international demand.
A Shift in International Engagement?
Challenges remain, particularly with sanctions on Iranian airlines imposed by the European Union and the United Kingdom in late 2024. Despite these restrictions, Lufthansa’s return suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for Iran-Europe travel. The airline’s decision reflects both an improved security climate and rising demand for flights to Tehran.
For travelers, this presents a renewed opportunity to explore Iran’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes.
With major European carriers reintroducing routes to Tehran, there is a sense that international engagement with Iran is regaining momentum.
As Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines resume operations, aviation analysts will closely monitor developments in passenger volumes, regulatory changes, and potential further expansions in air connectivity. For now, these resumed flights mark a significant step in reconnecting Iran with global travel networks.
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