In a move aimed at prioritizing flight safety, Iran has extended the partial closure of its airspace, postponing a full reopening until Saturday afternoon, IRNA reports.
Majid Akhavan, a spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, explained that while the eastern corridor reopened on Wednesday night, the northern, southern, and western sectors will stay closed until 2 p.m. local time on Saturday (1030 GMT). The phased approach seeks to restore operations to pre-conflict levels without compromising passenger security.
The need for caution follows a 12-day aerial exchange between Iran and Israel. After Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran and other sites on June 13, Iran promptly shut down its skies. A ceasefire agreement reached on Tuesday paved the way for gradual resumption, but authorities are taking extra time to inspect vital facilities and air routes.
For travelers and airlines, the delay means continued route adjustments and rescheduling. Akhavan emphasized that safety remains the top priority. Several international carriers have rerouted flights via neighboring hubs, affecting both domestic and cross-border travel plans for passengers and cargo.
Global travelers and cargo operators are leveraging live-flight trackers and airline apps to stay updated, highlighting the digital edge of modern travel management. As Iran prepares for a full reopening, its phased strategy may offer a template for other regions recovering from conflict or disruptions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
