Saudi airlines to launch more flights to Tehran amid warming ties
3 Min Read
A senior Saudi aviation official revealed plans for expanded flight operations to Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, marking a key step in restoring civil aviation links after years of estrangement.
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A flynas Airbus A320neo leading the departure queue as it taxis out for its flight. (X)
In a major development reflecting warming Saudi-Iran relations, Saudi Arabia is set to expand its aviation presence in Iran, with more airlines preparing to operate direct flights to Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. The move marks a significant milestone in the ongoing restoration of ties between the two regional powers.
The announcement came after a senior delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority visited Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport City (IKAC) to assess and coordinate the resumption of regular air services. Discussions during the visit focused on finalizing preparations to increase the number of operational Saudi flight routes to Iran.
According to IKAC officials, the visit represents a major step forward in restoring aviation links that had been suspended for nearly a decade due to diplomatic tensions. The delegation, led by Mahra bin Basin bin Mubarrad al-Mushri, confirmed that arrangements are currently underway and that additional Saudi carriers will soon launch scheduled services to Tehran.
The renewed air connectivity began symbolically on Saturday, May 17, when Flynas, a Saudi private airline, operated a direct flight from Jeddah to Tehran as part of the 2025 Hajj season. The flight, designated XY8496, briefly stopped at Imam Khomeini International Airport before returning to Saudi Arabia, serving as a ceremonial reopening of the route.
Flynas is scheduled to operate 224 round-trip flights by July 1, 2025, transporting approximately 37,000 Iranian pilgrims. Routes will include departures from Tehran and Mashhad, while the remainder of the pilgrimage traffic will be managed by Iran Air.
Imam Khomeini Airport prepares for surge in Saudi flights
IKAC CEO Saeid Chalandari welcomed the Saudi delegation and emphasized the airport’s readiness to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic. During the visit, the delegation inspected both Terminal 1 and Salam Terminal, reviewing cargo and passenger services in preparation for full operational expansion.
Chalandari reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to aviation safety and international cooperation, stating that the partnership with Saudi carriers would contribute to strengthening regional connectivity and aviation security.
It is worth noting that the increase in Saudi flights to Iran is centered on supporting the Hajj pilgrimage, which has become a cornerstone of the restored aviation agreement.
Direct air travel between Saudi Arabia and Iran had been suspended for over seven years following the severance of diplomatic ties in 2016.
The thaw in relations, brokered by China in early 2023, paved the way for a broader agreement on cooperation, including high-level visits and renewed civil aviation links.
Read more: Iran-Saudi ties to 'benefit both nations,' says Sayyed Khamenei
