Update: Iran Today – What Travelers Should Know
Flight availability to and from Iran is limited and varies by route and airline. Passenger flights have not stopped nationwide. Selected international services continue, while route-specific restrictions remain in effect. This page brings together verified information on flights, land borders, visas, and travel inside Iran. We update it as the situation evolves.
Last updated: October 10, 2026, 08:33 Iran time (UTC+03:30)
What to Know Right Now
- International flights continue on selected routes. Iranian airlines are currently operating to China, Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan and Malaysia. Imam Khomeini Airport City also lists Vietnam among its operating destinations. Iraqi Airways has resumed flights between Najaf and airports in Iran, according to IRNA citing Iraq’s official news agency. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced on October 3 that Iranian and Iraqi airline services between the two countries resumed from October 4. Routes can change at short notice.
- Several route-specific restrictions remain in effect. Iraqi Airways has resumed Najaf–Iran services. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced that Iranian and Iraqi airline services between the two countries resumed from October 4. Iranian-airline services to the UAE remain cancelled, Muscat remains restricted, Georgia and Azerbaijan remain suspended, and Mahan Air remains restricted on Turkey routes.
- Foreign-airline availability varies by carrier and date. Check your airline directly before travel.
- Land borders with Turkey and Armenia are open, with heavy congestion reported.
- Tourist visas are still issued. Get your visa before you travel.
- Several governments advise against all travel to Iran. Check your government’s advisory and your travel insurance.
Flights to and from Iran
Current status: International passenger flights continue on selected routes. Iranian airlines are currently operating to China, Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan and Malaysia. Imam Khomeini Airport City also lists Vietnam among its operating destinations. Iraqi Airways has resumed flights between Najaf and airports in Iran, according to IRNA citing Iraq’s official news agency. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced on October 3 that Iranian and Iraqi airline services between the two countries resumed from October 4. Iranian-airline services to the UAE remain cancelled, while Iranian-airline services to Oman, Georgia and Azerbaijan remain suspended or restricted.
Last checked: October 11, 2026, 08:31 Iran time (UTC+03:30)
Iranian Airlines
| Route or market | Status |
|---|---|
| Najaf, Iraq (Iranian airlines) | Operating from Oct 4; confirm individual flight |
| China | Operating |
| Russia | Operating |
| Pakistan | Operating |
| Armenia | Operating |
| Afghanistan | Operating |
| Belarus | Operating |
| Tajikistan | Operating |
| Malaysia | Operating |
| Vietnam (Imam Khomeini Airport City) | Operating |
| Turkey | Operating |
| Baghdad, Iraq | Operating from Oct 4; confirm individual flight |
| Muscat, Oman | Not accepting Iranian flights |
| Georgia | Iranian flights suspended |
| Azerbaijan | Iranian flights suspended |
| United Arab Emirates (Iranian airlines) | Cancelled since Sep 24 |
| Turkey (Mahan Air) | Suspended |
Foreign Airlines
Foreign-airline schedules vary by carrier and date. Iraqi Airways has resumed flights between Najaf and airports in Iran, according to IRNA citing Iraq’s official news agency. Iranian and Iraqi airline services between the two countries are operating from October 4, according to Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization. Passengers should verify their exact flight directly with the airline before traveling to the airport.
Latest Confirmed Updates
- October 8, 2026: Iraqi Airways resumed its Najaf–Tehran–Najaf service. Imam Khomeini International Airport confirmed that a flight from Najaf arrived at 07:30 and departed for Najaf at 08:30 local time on October 8. The airport expects one daily Iraqi Airways service on this route. Confirm individual flights directly with the airline. Source: IRNA, quoting Imam Khomeini Airport City.
- October 7, 2026: Iran Air resumed its Karachi services from Tehran and Mashhad. Tehran–Karachi–Tehran is scheduled once weekly on Mondays, and Mashhad–Karachi–Mashhad once weekly on Tuesdays. The resumed Mashhad service operated on October 6, with its return arriving on October 7. Confirm individual flights with Iran Air before traveling to the airport. Source: IRNA, quoting Iran Air.
- October 5, 2026: Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced that Iraqi Airways will resume regular direct flights from Najaf to Tehran, Mashhad and Isfahan from October 8, 2026. The announced schedule is daily. Passengers should confirm their individual flight directly with Iraqi Airways before traveling to the airport. Source: IRNA, reporting the Iraqi Ministry of Transport announcement.
- October 5, 2026: Iran Air operated its first Tehran–Najaf service after the recent route restriction on October 5. Flight 5329 departed Imam Khomeini International Airport at 08:15 and landed in Najaf at 09:25 local time. Return flight 5328 departed Najaf at 10:45 local time. Passengers should confirm the individual flight directly with Iran Air before traveling to the airport. Source: Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, quoting Iran Air.
- October 4, 2026: Shiraz International Airport reported that almost all of its domestic destinations were operating; Istanbul was its only operating international destination at the time of the announcement. Source: ISNA, quoting the director-general of Fars airports.
- October 4, 2026: Mashhad–Najaf flights resumed after a 10-day interruption, according to the public relations director of Razavi Khorasan airports. Passengers should confirm their individual flight before traveling to the airport. Source: IRNA, quoting Razavi Khorasan airports.
- October 3, 2026: Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced that Iranian and Iraqi airline services between the two countries would resume from October 4, 2026. Passengers should confirm their individual flight before traveling to the airport. Source: Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, quoting the Civil Aviation Organization.
- September 28, 2026: Iraqi Airways resumed flights between Najaf and airports in Iran, according to Iraq’s official news agency. Source: IRNA, citing Iraq’s official news agency.
- September 26, 2026: ISNA reported that Iranian airlines were operating to China, Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan and Malaysia. Imam Khomeini Airport City separately listed Vietnam among operating destinations. Source: ISNA, citing current aviation and airport information.
Flight schedules and airport operations can change at short notice. Before traveling to the airport, passengers should confirm their individual flight directly with their airline and check the latest information from the relevant airport and aviation authorities.
For assistance with an OrientTrips booking, contact [email protected].
If your flight has been cancelled, ask the airline or the agency that sold your ticket for a refund or a new booking.
Entering or Leaving Iran by Land
With far fewer flights, many travelers now cross land borders to reach airports in Turkey and Armenia. Expect long queues, longer journeys, and higher prices.
- Turkey: Bazargan – Gürbulak and Razi – Kapıköy. Open, with heavy congestion reported.
- Armenia: Nordooz – Agarak, then by road to Yerevan. Open, with congestion reported.
- Iraq: Shalamcheh and Chazabeh. Reopened on September 13 after a temporary closure.
- Azerbaijan: Overland travel is restricted by Azerbaijan.
Before You Travel Overland
- Arrange your Iran visa in advance. Visa on arrival is not a reliable option at land borders.
- Book cross-border bus tickets through official operators. Black-market prices for Iran–Turkey bus tickets have reportedly reached four times the normal fare.
- Leave a generous buffer between your border crossing and any onward flight.
- Carry printed copies of your passport, visa, and bookings. Internet access inside Iran is unreliable.
Iran Visa Status
Iran continues to issue tourist visas. With few foreign airlines flying and more travelers entering overland, secure your visa or visa authorization code before you travel instead of relying on visa on arrival.
- Airlines may refuse boarding to passengers without a pre-approved visa, even where visa on arrival exists.
- US, UK, and Canadian passport holders must apply through an Iranian embassy or consulate.
- Citizens of India (since November 2025) and Lebanon (since May 2026) now need a visa.
Travel Inside Iran
- Hotels: Most hotels in major Iranian cities remain operational and continue accepting reservations.
- Intercity buses: Widely available across Iran and currently one of the most reliable options between cities.
- Trains: Many domestic rail routes continue operating and remain one of the most stable long distance options.
Hotels, buses, and trains can be booked on OrientTrips. If a booking fails because of connectivity issues, our support team can complete the reservation manually.
Internet and Mobile Connectivity
Internet access inside Iran is currently restricted and unstable.
- Google services and Gmail are not accessible.
- Some messaging apps may work intermittently, depending on network conditions.
Connectivity conditions may change frequently depending on infrastructure availability.
Emergency Phone Numbers in Iran
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| +98 112 | General emergency (mobile) |
| +98 110 | Police |
| +98 115 | Ambulance |
| +98 125 | Fire department |
| +98 141 | Road and traffic information |
| +98 199 | Flight information |
Useful Local Services
These services work inside Iran during internet restrictions:
- Weather: Iran Meteorological Organization
- Time and calendar: Time.ir
- Maps: Balad and Neshan
- Messaging: imo
- File sharing: PicoFile
- News: ISNA and IRNA
For reliable information, also follow official airline communications, embassy and consular advisories, and trusted international news outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flights to Iran operating right now?
Yes. International passenger flights continue on selected routes. Iranian airlines are currently operating to China, Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan and Malaysia. Imam Khomeini Airport City also lists Vietnam among its operating destinations. Iraqi Airways has resumed flights between Najaf and airports in Iran, according to IRNA citing Iraq’s official news agency. Iranian and Iraqi airline services between the two countries are operating from October 4, according to Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization. Iranian-airline services to the UAE remain cancelled. Confirm your individual flight directly with your airline before traveling to the airport.
Can I enter or leave Iran by land?
Yes. Land borders with Turkey (Bazargan and Razi) and Armenia (Nordooz) are open, but heavy congestion has been reported. Iraq’s Shalamcheh and Chazabeh crossings reopened on September 13. Overland travel to Azerbaijan is restricted.
Is Iran still issuing tourist visas?
Yes. Arrange your visa before you travel instead of relying on visa on arrival, especially if you plan to enter overland.
Can I still travel within Iran by bus or train?
Yes. Intercity bus services remain widely available and many domestic rail routes continue operating.
Are hotels in Iran still open for booking?
Most hotels in major Iranian cities remain operational and continue accepting reservations.
Is the internet working in Iran?
Internet access is restricted and unstable. Google services and Gmail are not accessible, and some messaging apps only work intermittently.
Need Help?
Our team can help with manual bookings, changes to travel plans, and transport or accommodation updates. Email [email protected].
A Message of Solidarity
We stand with all those affected during these difficult days and remain committed to supporting travelers with professionalism, care, and clarity.
Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones in the recent events in Iran. We stand in quiet solidarity with the people during this challenging time.