TEHRAN - For the very first time, a direct flight route between Rasht’s Sardar Jangal International Airport and Iraq’s Basra has been established.

Seyyed-Mohsen Mirhosseini, who presides over the Rasht airport, on Thursday announced the inauguration of a new service between Basra and Rasht, marking the first such connection.

“This route, operated by Iraqi Airways,” Mirhosseini further elaborated. “is expected to continue if passenger demand proves strong.”

The airport, he continued, is well-equipped to handle international flights, meeting all necessary standards for such operations.

Mirhosseini highlighted a significant increase in international flights from Sardar Jangal Airport since September 2022, when Iranian Airlines began regular flights to Najaf.

Over time, the number of these flights has increased, especially during peak periods, the official outlined.

He also brought to light that Iraqi Airways initiated flights to Baghdad in early June this year.

Mirhosseini noted the significant tourism potential of Gilan province, mentioning that following successful negotiations with several domestic tourism companies and high demand from Iraqi tourists, flights to Basra have now been established.

“Consequently, the airport now offers flights to three Iraqi cities,” he stated. “Najaf, Baghdad, and Basra.”

Mirhosseini added that the number of weekly round-trip flights to Baghdad has reached 20, all operated by Iraqi Airways, while flights to Najaf have increased to six round trips per week, conducted by Pouya Airlines and Pars Air. “Including the new Basra route, Sardar-e-Jangal Airport now handles 28 international flights per week, reflecting a remarkable increase…,” the director-general pinpointed.

According to Mirhosseini, for the time being, the airport offers international flights to three Iraqi cities and several domestic flights to destinations including Tehran, Shiraz, Kish, Bandar Abbas, Asaluyeh, Ahvaz, Isfahan, and Mashhad.

Sardar Jangal International Airport, known as OIGG in international aviation records, is strategically located near the Caspian Sea. Situated close to Rasht, Iran’s third most visited city, and just 15 kilometers from the Anzali Free Zone, it is one of the country’s most accessible airports.

XF/AM