Yes. Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport (MHD) is open and operating as of 10 September 2026. Current flight data shows departures operating to Tehran, Baghdad and Najaf, while the published schedule also lists domestic services and a Mashhad–Kabul flight.
Fighting intensified again on 8–9 September, including US strikes on Iranian tankers and Iranian attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. No airport-specific closure was announced for Mashhad, but flights can still be retimed or cancelled at short notice. Confirm your specific flight with the operating airline and read your own government’s travel advice before you plan anything.
Is Mashhad Airport Open Right Now?
Yes. On 10 September 2026 flight data showed departures operating to Tehran and Baghdad, with Najaf services listed and a Mashhad–Kabul flight in the published schedule. This confirms activity at the airport but not that every published flight will operate.
Mashhad’s published board includes overnight and daytime departures. The airport has domestic, international and pilgrimage terminals.
Where You Can Fly From Mashhad Right Now
Mashhad continues to have a substantial domestic schedule. The table below reflects published routes and recent flight data, not a guarantee that every service operates. Frequencies can change at short notice, so check the airline before you book.
| Type | Destinations on the current board |
|---|---|
| Domestic | Tehran Mehrabad, Tabriz, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Kish Island, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr |
| Iraq (pilgrimage) | Najaf, Baghdad |
| Gulf | Check current availability with the airline; Gulf schedules remain changeable |
| Other international | Kabul appears in the 10 September published schedule; verify other routes with the airline |
Iranian carriers operate most services; Iraqi Airways appears on the Baghdad route. No European or North American carrier serves Mashhad, so longer journeys require a connection.
Iranian Airspace: What the Rules Actually Say
Mashhad sits inside Iran’s Tehran flight information region (OIIX). That airspace is not closed by Iran, and Iranian carriers fly through it every day. It is off limits to a large part of the world’s airlines because of their own regulators.
- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin CZIB-2026-04-R1 tells EASA operators not to fly in the Tehran FIR at any altitude. It was extended on 31 August 2026 and now runs to 30 September 2026.
- The US Federal Aviation Administration prohibits US operators from the Tehran FIR under Special Federal Aviation Regulation 117, and France told its own operators to stay out of Iranian airspace entirely on 26 August 2026.
- The industry risk database Safe Airspace rates Iran at its highest level, “Do Not Fly”.
How to Check Your Mashhad Flight Before You Travel
When official Iranian flight-information pages are unavailable, use these sources in this order:
- Your airline. The operating carrier is the only authoritative source for your specific flight, and the fastest to update.
- Wego’s Mashhad flight tracker for live arrivals and departures.
- Wego’s airport status tracker, which refreshes hourly across 32 regional airports, and the disruptions live blog for named cancellations.
- Your government’s travel advice for Iran, which also decides your insurance position.
Check again in the few hours before you leave. A flight showing as scheduled in the morning can be pulled by the afternoon.
Practical Things to Know About Mashhad Airport
- It is close to the shrine. The airport is about 8 km from the city centre and the Imam Reza shrine, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi in normal traffic. Line 1 of the urban railway and city buses also serve it, and dedicated pilgrim buses run to the shrine district.
- Agree the fare first. Airport taxis are not always metered. The ride-hailing apps Snapp and Tapsi are widely used and usually cheaper.
- Your cards will not work. International Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards do not function in Iran because of sanctions. Bring cash, or arrange a local prepaid tourist card.
- Most nationalities need a visa in advance. Pilgrimage groups are usually handled by authorised tour operators. Check the requirement for your nationality before you book.
- Dual nationals face a detention risk. Smartraveller warns Australians, including dual nationals, are at high risk of detention in Iran, and the UK Foreign Office warns British-Iranian dual nationals similarly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mashhad Airport open right now?
Yes. As of 10 September 2026 MHD is open, with current flight data showing domestic and international departures. Individual flights can still be cancelled at short notice.
Are international flights operating from Mashhad?
Yes. Baghdad and Najaf services appear in current flight data, and Kabul appears in the 10 September published schedule. Other international routes should be confirmed with the operating airline because published schedules can change.
Which airlines fly to Mashhad now?
Mostly Iranian carriers, including Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Qeshm Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, ATA Airlines, Kish Air, Meraj Airlines and Zagros Airlines. Iraqi Airways also appears on the Baghdad route.
Is Iranian airspace open, and is it safe to fly?
Iran has not closed it, and Iranian carriers fly through it. But EASA bars European operators from the Tehran FIR at any altitude under CZIB-2026-04-R1, valid to 30 September 2026, and the FAA bars US operators under SFAR 117. The UK and Australia advise against all travel to Iran.
How far is the airport from the Imam Reza shrine?
About 8 km, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi in normal traffic. Line 1 of the urban railway and city buses also serve the airport, and pilgrim buses run to the shrine district.
Can I use my foreign credit card in Mashhad?
No. International sanctions mean foreign-issued credit and debit cards do not work in Iran. Bring cash or arrange a local prepaid tourist card.
Sources
- EASA: Conflict Zone Information Bulletin CZIB-2026-04-R1, Airspace of Iran (extended 31 August 2026, valid to 30 September 2026)
- US FAA: Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices (SFAR 117, Tehran FIR)
- Safe Airspace: Iran airspace risk database
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Iran travel advice
- Australian Government Smartraveller: Iran travel advice
- Reuters: Iran and US hit tankers in biggest wave of attacks on shipping since war began (9 September 2026)
- Flightradar24: Mashhad International Airport (MHD/OIMM) live board
- Wego: Middle East airport status tracker
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
