Key Takeaways
• Iran reopened central and western airspace for international flights on June 28, 2025, after a 12-day conflict ceasefire.
• Northern and southern Iranian airspace remain closed until at least June 29, 2025; airlines need approval for overflights.
• Air Arabia will resume flights to Iran, Iraq, and nearby destinations starting July 1, 2025 amid partial reopening.
Iran Reopens Central and Western Airspace to International Transit Flights: What It Means for Airlines, Passengers, and Regional Travel
Iran has officially reopened its central and western airspace to international transit flights as of June 28, 2025. This move comes just days after a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel ended with a ceasefire. The reopening is partial, with only the central and western airspace available for international overflights, while the northern and southern regions remain closed until at least June 29, 2025. The decision, announced by Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Transport and confirmed by the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority, marks a significant step toward restoring normal air travel in the region.
This development is important for airlines, travelers, and the broader aviation industry. The reopening of Iran’s central and western airspace helps reduce detours and operational costs for international carriers, especially those flying between Europe and Asia. However, ongoing restrictions in the north and south mean that some flights will still face challenges. Let’s break down what this means, who is affected, and what to expect in the coming days.
Why Did Iran Close Its Airspace?
Iran’s airspace is a major corridor for international flights, especially those traveling between Europe and Asia. When the conflict with Israel began in mid-June 2025, Iran closed its airspace to protect civilian flights from possible military activity. This closure forced many airlines to reroute their flights, leading to longer travel times, higher fuel costs, and increased congestion in neighboring countries’ airspace, such as Turkey and Iraq.
The closure lasted for about 12 days. On June 25, 2025, a ceasefire was declared, and Iran began to lift some restrictions. By June 28, the central and western parts of Iranian airspace were reopened to international transit flights, while the northern and southern regions remained closed for safety reasons.
What Parts of Iranian Airspace Are Open?
As of June 28, 2025:
- Central and western Iranian airspace is open to international transit flights.
- Northern and southern Iranian airspace remains closed to both domestic and international flights until at least June 29, 2025, at noon.
- Only international flights that have been specifically approved by the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority are allowed to pass through the open regions.
This partial reopening means that airlines can now plan more direct routes through Iran, but flights that would normally cross the northern or southern parts of the country still need to take detours.
How Are Airlines Responding?
Many airlines quickly adjusted their flight plans after the announcement. Air Arabia, a major carrier based in the United Arab Emirates, announced that it would resume flights to Iran, Iraq, and other destinations starting July 1, 2025. Other regional airlines are also returning to Iranian airspace, but they must submit their flight plans for approval by the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority.
For airlines, the reopening of Iran’s central and western airspace offers several benefits:
- Shorter flight paths: Airlines flying between Europe and Asia can now use more direct routes, saving time and fuel.
- Lower costs: Avoiding long detours reduces operational expenses.
- Less congestion: Neighboring countries’ airspace, which became crowded during the closure, will see less traffic.
However, airlines must still monitor official updates and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for any changes in airspace status, especially regarding the northern and southern regions.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
For travelers, the reopening brings relief. Many passengers faced delays, cancellations, or longer journeys during the closure. With the central and western airspace open, airlines are gradually resuming flights to and from Iran, Iraq, and nearby countries.
If you have travel plans involving Iran or the region:
- Check with your airline for the latest flight status and rebooking options.
- Monitor official airline and government websites for updates.
- For U.S. citizens in Iran, it’s important to consult the U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security alerts and consular information.
Airlines like Air Arabia are contacting affected passengers directly and providing updates on their websites. According to Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels, there has been a surge in travel bookings and a return to normalcy following the reopening.
Impact on Regional Air Traffic
The closure of Iranian airspace had a ripple effect across the region. Neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iraq, and Gulf states saw a sharp increase in air traffic as airlines rerouted flights to avoid Iran. This led to congestion, delays, and higher costs for both airlines and passengers.
Now that central and western Iran are open again, some of this pressure is easing. Airlines can resume more efficient routes, and regional air traffic is beginning to return to normal levels. However, as the northern and southern regions remain closed, some flights will still need to take longer paths.
Ongoing Restrictions and Challenges
While the reopening is a positive step, it is not a complete return to normal. The Iranian Civil Aviation Authority is only permitting international flights that have been specifically approved. Airlines must continue to submit flight plans and monitor official updates.
Key ongoing restrictions:
- Northern and southern Iranian airspace remain closed until at least June 29, 2025.
- European carriers such as Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa have suspended direct flights to Iran through 2025 due to ongoing sanctions and regulatory issues.
- Iran’s aviation sector remains under pressure from Western sanctions, limiting its ability to operate and maintain international connections.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Airlines and Passengers
For Airlines
- Submit flight plans for overflights through central and western Iranian airspace to the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
- Monitor NOTAMs and official updates for any changes in airspace status, especially regarding the northern and southern regions.
- Communicate directly with passengers about flight status, rebookings, and safety information.
For Passengers
- Check with your airline for the latest information on flight status and rebooking options.
- Monitor official airline and government websites for updates on airspace status and travel advisories.
- For U.S. citizens in Iran, visit the U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran and enroll in STEP for alerts and consular support.
Perspectives from Stakeholders
Iranian Government
The Iranian Ministry of Roads and Transport sees the reopening as a sign of stability and a return to normal life after the ceasefire. The government hopes that allowing international transit flights through central and western airspace will help restore confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
International Airlines
Airlines welcome the reopening but remain cautious. The partial nature of the reopening, along with ongoing regional tensions, means that airlines must stay alert for possible future disruptions. Many carriers are waiting for the full reopening of all Iranian airspace before resuming regular operations.
European Carriers
Major European airlines continue to avoid Iranian airspace due to broader geopolitical and regulatory issues. Some, like Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa, have suspended direct flights to Iran through 2025. This limits direct connectivity and forces travelers to rely on Gulf carriers for international travel to and from Iran.
Travelers
Passengers are relieved to see flights resuming but remain concerned about the possibility of future disruptions. Many are closely following updates from airlines and government agencies to stay informed about changes in flight schedules and safety conditions.
Background: The Importance of Iranian Airspace
Iran’s airspace is a vital link for international flights between Europe and Asia. When it is open, airlines can use direct routes that save time and money. When it is closed, flights must take longer paths, leading to higher costs and longer travel times.
Historical context:
- Iran has closed its airspace before during times of tension, such as the U.S.-Iran standoff in 2020 and the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 incident.
- Western sanctions have isolated Iran’s aviation sector, making it harder for the country to maintain international connections and modernize its fleet.
The recent closure during the conflict with Israel was another example of how quickly the situation can change, affecting airlines and travelers around the world.
Expert Analysis: Why the Reopening Matters
Aviation experts say that the reopening of Iran’s central and western airspace is critical for efficient global air traffic. Detours around Iran can add hours to flight times and increase fuel costs. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the ability to use Iranian airspace again will help airlines save money and reduce delays.
Security analysts, however, warn that the situation remains volatile. While the ceasefire has allowed for the reopening, airlines must remain vigilant and ready to adjust their routes if tensions rise again.
Travel industry leaders report a rapid rebound in bookings, showing how important Iranian airspace is for regional and international connectivity.
What’s Next? Future Outlook
The status of northern and southern Iranian airspace will be reassessed after June 29, 2025. The full reopening depends on the security situation and the stability of the ceasefire. If conditions remain calm, it is possible that all of Iran’s airspace could be open to international transit flights soon.
However, the broader trend of European disengagement from Iranian aviation is likely to continue. Ongoing sanctions and regulatory issues mean that direct flights between Iran and Europe will remain limited, forcing travelers to rely on Gulf carriers and other regional airlines.
The situation remains fluid, and future conflicts or political developments could lead to renewed airspace closures or restrictions. Airlines and passengers should stay informed and be prepared for possible changes.
Practical Tips for Travelers and Airlines
For travelers:
- Stay informed: Check your airline’s website and official government sources for the latest updates.
- Be flexible: Be prepared for possible changes in flight schedules or routes.
- Register for alerts: If you are a U.S. citizen in Iran, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
For airlines:
- Submit flight plans for approval: Only flights approved by the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority are allowed through the open airspace.
- Monitor official updates: Stay alert for changes in airspace status, especially in the northern and southern regions.
- Communicate with passengers: Provide clear information about flight status, safety, and rebooking options.
Official Resources
- Iranian Civil Aviation Organization: For official NOTAMs and updates on airspace status.
- Iranian Ministry of Roads and Transport: For policy statements and news.
- U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran: For security alerts and consular information for U.S. citizens.
- Air Arabia and other airlines: For flight status and passenger updates (check official airline websites).
Conclusion: A Step Toward Normalcy, But Uncertainty Remains
The reopening of Iran’s central and western airspace to international transit flights is a welcome development for airlines, travelers, and the region as a whole. It marks a move toward normal air travel after a period of conflict and disruption. However, the situation remains uncertain, with ongoing restrictions in the north and south and continued challenges from sanctions and regional tensions.
Airlines and passengers should continue to monitor official updates and be prepared for possible changes. The reopening is a positive sign, but the future of air travel through Iran will depend on the stability of the region and the actions of governments and airlines in the coming weeks.
For the latest information on airspace status and travel advisories, always consult official government and airline sources. This will help you stay safe and make informed decisions about your travel plans.
Learn Today
International Transit Flights → Flights passing through a country’s airspace without landing, connecting origin and destination abroad.
Ceasefire → An agreement to stop hostilities temporarily or permanently between conflicting parties.
NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) → Official notifications issued to pilots and airlines about changes in airspace or flight procedures.
Iranian Civil Aviation Authority → The governmental body managing Iran’s airspace regulations and flight approvals.
Overflight → The act of an aircraft flying over a country’s territory without landing.
This Article in a Nutshell
Iran reopened central and western airspace June 28, 2025, easing flight detours after a 12-day conflict. Airlines regain shorter routes between Europe and Asia, reducing costs. Partial restrictions remain in north and south regions. Travelers and airlines must monitor updates for safety and operational approvals.
— By VisaVerge.com
