‘Don’t travel to Iran’: India issues new advice as limited flights resume

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday issued a new advisory urging its citizens “not to travel to Iran” even as limited flight operations between the two countries began to resume amid ongoing regional tensions.The Indian Embassy in Tehran said in a statement, “In view of reports of some flights being launched between India and Iran, and in continuation of previous advice, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to travel to Iran, either by air or by road.”

The advice comes against the backdrop of ongoing uncertainty in the region, with authorities warning that aviation operations remain disrupted.“Airspace restrictions and operational uncertainty resulting from regional tensions continue to impact international flight operations to and from Iran,” the embassy said.“It is further reiterated that all Indian nationals currently in Iran should exit the country through designated land border routes in strict coordination with the embassy,” the statement added.To assist citizens, the embassy has shared emergency contact numbers and urged Indians to stay in close contact for guidance and support as the situation evolves.It follows Iran’s recent decision to reopen some major airports and gradually resume flight operations after weeks of disruption caused by the conflict between the United States and Israel.Major airports including Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad Airport have restarted domestic services, while limited international connections have also resumed.State media reported that Mashhad Airport has now received permission to operate international passenger flights. “Permission has been issued for Mashhad Airport to operate international passenger flights starting tomorrow,” state television quoted the Civil Aviation Organization as saying.Iranian airspace has been largely closed since hostilities broke out on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli attacks sparked a wider regional conflict. While a fragile ceasefire has reduced immediate hostilities, uncertainty continues to weigh on travel and security conditions.The embassy also shared emergency contact details for assistance. Indian nationals can call the following mobile numbers: