Saudi Airlines Expansion to Iran Takes Off Following Landmark Tehran Landing Amid Thawing Tensions

A report on Monday from the Imam Khomeini Airport City (IKAC) detailed a recent visit by a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority to finalize the arrangements for new flight routes.

Analysts have noted the visit, organized by Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, as a significant move towards re-establishing air travel connections between the two parties. These links had been on hold for almost ten years following a diplomatic impasse.

During a meeting, Mahra bin Basin bin Mubarrad al-Mushri, a prominent official from the Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Authority, highlighted that “arrangements are currently underway.” He announced that flights from Saudi Arabia to Tehran by other airlines would soon commence operations.

Saeid Chalandari, the CEO of Imam Khomeini Airport City (IKAC), extended a warm welcome to the Saudi delegation, underscoring the airport’s readiness to accommodate the anticipated rise in flight operations.

Chalandari emphasized that Imam Khomeini International Airport, integral to the global air traffic network, is committed to prioritizing aviation safety and security. He also expressed anticipation for enhanced collaboration with Saudi airlines to establish new flight routes.

The delegation’s visit encompassed a thorough inspection of passenger and cargo operations at the airport’s Terminals 1 and Salam. During the visit, they assessed the facility’s preparedness to handle the growing influx of travelers.

On the evening of Saturday, May 17, Flynas, a private Saudi carrier, conducted a flight as an integral part of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Flight XY8496 successfully landed at IKAC following its journey from Jeddah, the coastal hub in Saudi Arabia. After a short layover, the aircraft resumed its course, returning to the kingdom.

The recent flight signifies a pivotal development in the resumption of operational relations between Tehran and Riyadh. This initiative is a component of an accord reached by the two nations to facilitate the transportation of Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

According to reports, Flynas is set to conduct 224 round-trip flights by July 1, 2025, aimed at facilitating the transportation of around 37,000 Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The airline will oversee flights originating from the sacred city of Mashhad and select routes from Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran Air, the national airline of the Islamic Republic, will cover the remaining routes.

Direct flights between Iran and Saudi Arabia have resumed following a seven-year halt in diplomatic relations, which officially concluded in February 2023.

A significant development occurred following a China-mediated agreement, with former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi accepting an invitation to visit the kingdom.