First Tehran–Islamabad flight begins under new Iran-Pakistan air agreement
Other direct routes already link Karachi and Lahore with Iranian cities
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD – A new direct flight has been launched between Tehran and Islamabad, marking the first-ever air service connecting the capitals of Pakistan and Iran.
The announcement was made by Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moqadam, who said the initiative follows the finalisation of a comprehensive aviation agreement after the recent visit of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezhakian.
According to the envoy, Iran Air Tour will operate the new Tehran–Islamabad flights. He noted that the agreement was made possible with the valued support and facilitation of the Pakistani government. The development has been hailed as a milestone in bilateral cooperation in the field of air transportation.
Tourism and trade
Ambassador Moqadam explained that the direct service is expected to strengthen tourism and people-to-people contacts, alongside providing new opportunities for business exchanges between the two neighbouring nations. He congratulated the people of Iran and Pakistan, the business community, and tourism stakeholders, while voicing optimism that Iranian travellers would soon explore Pakistan’s landscapes and hospitality.
Pakistan-Iran travel
Reports in Pakistani media suggest the launch is part of a broader plan to expand regional connectivity. Direct air links already exist between Karachi and Tehran, Karachi and Mashhad, and Lahore and Tehran, operated by Iran Air and Mahan Air.
In August 2025, Iran Air also began a weekly Quetta–Zahedan–Mashhad service, further boosting travel between Balochistan and eastern Iran.
Tehran–Islamabad flight
The envoy underlined that the Tehran–Islamabad flight will open new avenues for tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and exporters, while making cultural and religious destinations more accessible. He said the initiative reflects the shared commitment of both nations to build closer ties through practical cooperation in the aviation sector.
Pakistan and Iran share a long border stretching over 900 kilometres, linking Balochistan with Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. The two neighbours maintain deep historical, cultural and religious ties, with regular exchanges in trade, energy and pilgrimage travel reinforcing their relationship. The addition of more direct flights is seen as another step in strengthening these longstanding connections.