Iran Starts Phased Airspace Reopening After Conflict Closure

Iran has initiated a phased reopening of its airspace and limited operations at six major airports, marking the first steps toward restoring civilian aviation after a seven-week closure triggered by regional conflict. The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran announced the changes on Saturday, April 18, 2026, allowing international transit flights through eastern air routes starting at 7 a.m. local time.

The decision follows a fragile ceasefire that took effect more than a week earlier, amid ongoing peace negotiations between Iran and its adversaries. Officials stated that the partial reopening came after comprehensive safety assessments and coordination between civilian and military authorities. Iran's airspace had been shut to most commercial traffic since February 28, when strikes by United States and Israeli forces began, forcing airlines to reroute flights and adding up to 90 minutes to journeys between Europe and South Asia.

Under the four-phase plan, the initial stage permits overflights through eastern corridors, such as those near Mashhad, to ease global routing without landing. Subsequent phases will resume flights from eastern airports, followed by operations at...