Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Jun 29: Iran has reopened its central and western airspace to international flights, signaling a gradual return to normalcy following a recent escalation in hostilities with Israel. The decision, announced by the Roads and Urban Development Ministry, comes after security and safety assessments were approved by the Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) of Iran.

Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that while eastern airspace had already been reopened to both domestic and international traffic earlier in the week, the northern, southern, and parts of western airspace would remain closed until 14:00 local time (1030 GMT) on Sunday.

“No flight will land or take off from airports in the northern, southern, or western regions of the country until the temporary restrictions are lifted,” Akhavan noted.

Iran’s airspace had been entirely closed on June 13, following the launch of “Operation Rising Lion” by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), a military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure. Over the course of 12 days, Israel claimed to have inflicted significant damage on major nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, accusing Iran of advancing projects that threatened Israel’s existence.

A ceasefire between the two countries was reached earlier this week, prompting Iranian authorities to begin a phased reopening of air routes. The Roads and Urban Development Ministry first resumed traffic over eastern Iran, stating the goal was to restore air operations to pre-conflict levels.

While the reopening of additional air corridors marks a step toward regional stabilization, air traffic remains restricted in several zones until safety is fully assured.

Officials say updates will continue based on further risk assessments and coordination with international aviation agencies.