The first flight launched between Türkiye’s Van and Iran’s capital Tehran was carried out Aug. 29, 2026. (AA Photo)
August 30, 2026 01:10 PM GMT+03:00
The first flight launched between Türkiye’s eastern city of Van and Iran’s capital Tehran was carried out Saturday, marking what local officials described as an important step for the city’s international air links.
A passenger plane belonging to a private airline departed Tehran Airport at 6 p.m. local time and landed at Van Ferit Melen Airport at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Passengers were welcomed with flowers by Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO) President Necdet Takva, Vice President Fevzi Celiktas and members of the chamber’s board of directors.
Speaking to journalists after welcoming the passengers, Takva said the Tehran-Van flights, which officials had been working on for a long time, had begun.
Takva said they were working to strengthen relations with countries in nearby markets.
“The first plane landed at our airport within the framework of an agreement reached by our agency, which has been operating in Tehran for many years, with a private airline,” he said.
“Therefore, Van has also passed an important stage diplomatically in establishing the infrastructure for international flights. Organizations that will establish the overseas infrastructure have also taken place,” he added.
“I am excited and happy. I think Van will become one of Türkiye’s most important centers of attraction,” Takva said.
The first flight launched between Türkiye’s Van and Iran’s capital Tehran was carried out Aug. 29, 2026. (AA Photo)
Van targets 1M Iranian tourists
Takva said the launch marked an important development for the city.
“The first arriving passenger had no luggage, and we welcomed them with flowers,” he said.
Takva noted that 777,000 Iranians entered Van by road through Kapikoy in 2025.
“If there is no war and no problems are experienced, our first target is to reach 1 million tourists,” he said.
Takva said about 80 passengers were on the first flight, adding that around 20 of them came to conduct research and learn about Van’s potential.
“We will also support their accommodation and logistics here,” he said.
The first flight launched between Türkiye’s Van and Iran’s capital Tehran was carried out Aug. 29, 2026. (AA Photo)
Iranian passengers welcome direct flights
Iranian passenger Mahsa Mohammadizaferani said she was excited because it was her first time in Van.
“I heard that Iranians come here a lot. I came to take footage for my agency in Iran,” she said.
“We hope planes will continue to come to Van regularly. We are curious about the city because it is close to Iran. Iranians also want to come here,” she added.
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Abdolreza Shakouri said he was traveling from northern Iran as part of an agency delegation.
“I have been to Türkiye several times before, but I am coming to Van for the first time, and I am happy,” he said.
Semira Taheri said traveling by plane was more comfortable than spending hours on the road by bus or car.
August 30, 2026 01:10 PM GMT+03:00