Iran, Pakistan expand direct flights to 24 per week
Agreement boosts economic, cultural, and trade ties with new routes including Mashhad–Karachi and Tehran–Islamabad
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran and Pakistan have expanded their air connectivity to 24 weekly direct flights following the signing of a new aviation cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and passenger travel.
The agreement, signed after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Islamabad, introduces new routes such as Mashhad–Karachi and Tehran–Islamabad while removing restrictions on air corridors. It also provides for joint collaboration in air navigation and professional aviation training.
Seyed Hamidreza Sanaei, deputy for aviation at Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, said the move addresses longstanding demands from Pakistani travelers and pilgrims.
“For years, Pakistanis have requested to fly directly to Mashhad and onwards to Najaf. Now this route has become legal and operational, with more direct flights between Iranian and Pakistani cities being launched,” he said.
Among the high-demand routes under consideration is Quetta–Zahedan, which Sanaei noted previously required lengthy detours via international hubs. Efforts are now underway to secure the necessary permits to begin direct services.
The Tehran–Islamabad route officially began operations on September 8 with the landing of an Iran Airtour Airbus 300 in Islamabad, bringing weekly flights between the two capitals to five.
Other carriers, including Iran Air, Taban, and Mahan, have also expanded services to Lahore and Karachi.
The aviation agreement comes alongside broader economic cooperation, with the 22nd Iran–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission meeting last week for the first time in three years. The two countries signed 13 memoranda of understanding covering trade, housing, and transport.
Officials and experts say the expansion of direct flights will ease travel for pilgrims, cut costs, and significantly boost cross-border commerce.
It also signals a deepening of regional integration, with air transport forming part of a wider strategy to enhance economic and cultural ties.
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