Yes. Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is open and operating as of 10 September 2026. The airport operator said on 9 September that flights were operating normally, and tracked Iran Air services between Istanbul and IKA continued on 9 September and were scheduled again on 10 September.
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 IKA, but flights can still be retimed or cancelled at short notice. Confirm your flight with the operating airline and read your own government’s travel advice before you plan anything.
Is Tehran Airport Open Right Now?
Yes. The airport operator said on 9 September that IKA flights were operating normally. Flight tracking also showed the Iran Air Istanbul–Tehran service operating on 9 September and scheduled again on 10 September.
IKA’s published board includes daytime and evening departures. Terminal 1 handles scheduled international flights, while the Salam terminal is used for pilgrimage traffic.
Where You Can Fly From Tehran Right Now
These destinations appear in IKA’s published schedule. A published timetable is not proof that every flight operates, and frequencies can change at short notice, so check the operating airline for your date.
| Region | Destinations on the current board |
|---|---|
| Turkiye | Istanbul, Izmir, Dalaman, Denizli |
| Iraq | Baghdad, Najaf |
| Gulf | Dubai, Muscat |
| Caucasus | Tbilisi, Baku, Yerevan |
| Asia | Delhi, Lahore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen |
Iranian carriers dominate the published board; Iraqi Airways and Armenia Airways also appear. No European or North American carrier serves Tehran, so longer journeys require a connection.
Iranian Airspace: What the Rules Actually Say
Iranian airspace is not closed by Iran, and Iranian carriers fly through it daily. It is off limits to much of the world’s aviation because of their own regulators.
- EASA’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin CZIB-2026-04-R1 tells European operators not to fly in the Tehran flight information region (OIIX) at any altitude. It was extended on 31 August 2026 and 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.
European and American airlines do not serve Tehran, and most Europe–Asia traffic routes around Iran.
How to Check Your 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 IKA 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
- 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. A visa on arrival exists for some passports, but airlines increasingly want a pre-approved visa or authorisation code before they will board you.
- 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.
- Into the city: an official taxi or ride-hailing app takes about an hour. Metro Line 1 and the airport bus are cheaper and slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport open right now?
Yes. As of 10 September 2026 IKA is open and operating. The airport operator said flights were operating normally on 9 September, and tracked Istanbul services continued. Individual flights can still be cancelled at short notice.
Which airlines are flying to Tehran now?
Almost all Iranian: Iran Air, Mahan Air, Iran Airtour, Qeshm Airlines, Meraj Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, ATA Airlines, Varesh Airlines and Fly Kish. Iraqi Airways and Armenia Airways also appear on the board. No European or North American airline serves Tehran.
Is Iranian airspace open?
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. That is why a European or American airline will not take you there.
Is it safe to travel to Iran at the moment?
Governments say no. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, and Smartraveller lists “Do not travel” and suggests Australians there consider options to leave. Travelling against that advice can also void your insurance.
What is the difference between IKA and Mehrabad (THR)?
IKA is the international gateway, about 35 km southwest of Tehran. Mehrabad (THR) is closer to the centre and handles most domestic flights, including services from Mashhad and Bandar Abbas. Check which airport your ticket names, and allow time and money for a cross-city transfer if you are connecting between the two.
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)
- Imam Khomeini Airport CEO: flights operating normally on 9 September 2026
- Flightradar24: Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA/OIIE) 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.
