At present 1,050 foreign flights cross Iran's airspace daily, said the minister of roads and urban development, adding that the figure stood at 500 before the incumbent government took office in August 2013.
"Amid volatilities in the region, Iran remains secure and stable, which is the reason behind the rise in foreign flights," Abbas Akhoundi was also quoted as saying by IRNA.
Following the lifting of western sanctions, many international airlines have resumed or increased flights to Iran.
The sanctions, imposed over the Iranian nuclear program, were lifted in January as part of a landmark nuclear deal Iran struck with world powers last year by agreeing to temporary curbs on its nuclear activities.
Lufthansa is flying non-stop once again from Munich to Tehran. Starting on July 4, the connection under flight number LH 602 began three times a week.
“Due to increasing business relations, we are expecting a significantly higher demand in future. Iran has also gained greater significance with culture tourists,” said Thomas Winkelmann, chief executive of Lufthansa Munich hub.
The connection between Munich and Tehran was last offered from spring 2004 to summer 2006.
Air France also resumed flights to Iran in April after eight years. Having French Transport Minister Alain Vidalies and an accompanying delegation on board, its plane landed in Tehran on April 16.
Emirates Airlines launched a new Mashhad-Dubai flight on September 1. An Airbus 330 is traveling the new route to and from Mashhad’s Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport with a passenger capacity of 237 people on all weekdays, except Saturdays and Thursdays.
Iranian airlines have also expanded their flights to overseas destinations.
Iran’s Taban Air launched its first flight between Tehran and Russia’s Astrakhan on June 7. The flight will operate two days a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The new route meets the longstanding need of Iranian traders and locals visiting Astrakhan while giving a boost to Iran’s exports to Russia, including agricultural products and seafood.
Apart from being located in the heart of the most secure and stable country in the region, according to Akhoundi, in view of its strategic location, Tehran has the potential to become a regional hub for international flights.
“Several attributes would give Tehran a competitive edge over its regional rivals,” says Iraj Ronaqi, commercial vice president of Meraj Airlines.
The capital’s high altitude and temperate climate provide clear technical benefits, while its geographical location offers more direct flights between Europe and southeast Asia. A large, highly-skilled indigenous workforce also guarantees low labor costs.
