Iran Resumes International Flights to Chabahar, Enhancing Their Regional Connectivity and Boosting Tourism, Trade and Investment Growth in Makran

Published on December 29, 2025

In a significant expansion to mitigate the challenges caused by lack of connectivity to the port, the government of Iran restarted international airline services to the city of Chabahar, as part of plans to develop the Makran coast. Mohammad-Saeed Arbabi, one of the key persons in this development initiative, stated the need to increase airline connectivity to enable people to easily reach the city, offering vast potential in the sectors of tourism, trade, and investment, and this development is expected to be the key to unlocking the full potential.

New International Routes Operated by Kish Air and Varesh Airlines

As part of the resumption, Kish Air and Varesh Airlines will operate three international routes between Chabahar and key destinations in the Gulf and South Asia. According to Arbabi, Kish Air will begin flights between Chabahar and Muscat, starting on January 9, followed by the launch of the Chabahar–Karachi route on January 16. Varesh Airlines, on the other hand, will begin operations on the Chabahar–Sharjah route starting January 5.

These routes, made possible through agreements with the Chabahar Free Zone Organization and the Oghab Asaluyeh airport company, are expected to significantly enhance air connectivity between Chabahar and neighboring countries, making it easier for both tourists and business travelers to access this strategically important region. The introduction of these routes will not only boost tourism flows but also foster a better tourism infrastructure, allowing visitors to reach Chabahar with greater ease and convenience.

Facilitating Regional Trade, Tourism, and Connectivity

The resumption of international flights is not just about enhancing travel options; it is part of a larger plan to drive economic development in the Makran coast. Arbabi pointed out that the new flights would facilitate access to Chabahar, help attract foreign tourists, and boost trade exchanges with key regional markets. Chabahar, as Iran’s only oceanic port, has significant untapped potential in tourism, international trade, and transit, and expanding air routes is crucial to unlocking this potential.

These flights will also improve regional tourism by connecting Chabahar with popular destinations in the Gulf and South Asia, promoting tourism exchanges. For tourists, especially those from nearby Muscat, Sharjah, and Karachi, the new air routes offer a more efficient travel option compared to sea or road transport, ultimately increasing Chabahar’s appeal as a tourist destination. Tourists seeking to experience the region’s unique landscapes, culture, and historic sites will now have an easier time planning their trips, making it more likely for them to visit the area.

The Travel Impact: Unlocking New Tourism Markets

For Chabahar, this step forward in air transport connectivity is expected to be a game-changer in terms of tourism growth. By providing more direct access from key regional cities, the city will likely see an increase in tourism arrivals, especially from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and South Asia. Sharjah, Muscat, and Karachi are known to be popular travel hubs for tourists, and adding Chabahar to their travel itineraries will make it an attractive and viable destination for regional travelers.

The new flight routes will allow tourists to more easily visit Chabahar’s famed attractions, including its coastal beauty, port facilities, and cultural landmarks. Cultural tourism will benefit from the easier accessibility, and Chabahar could emerge as a key stop for tourists exploring the Makran coast, which is renowned for its semi-desert landscapes, historic sites, and marine life. The global tourism market is already looking for new, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and Chabahar could fit that profile perfectly.

The Makran Coast’s Emerging Role in Regional Travel

The Makran coast, which stretches along the Sea of Oman, is a semi-desert region with great potential for tourism development. The government’s plan to enhance air links to Chabahar is a key part of the broader strategy to develop the Makran coastal strip into a hub for trade and tourism. These new routes are expected to contribute to the region’s growth by providing easier access to markets in the Gulf and South Asia, thus fostering cross-border trade and investment.

In addition to its strategic port and tourism opportunities, the region is increasingly seen as a gateway for international cooperation, thanks to its proximity to the Gulf’s major trade routes. The expansion of air links will help Chabahar fulfill its potential as a regional player in the global economy, with new opportunities for businesses and tourism operators to tap into.

A Strategic Step Toward Sustainable Growth and Tourism Development

The recommencement of international flights to and from the port city of Chabahar is also an important step towards the development and use of the potential of the Makran coast and the region as a whole by the Iranians. As such, the international flights set to operate from and to the Iranian city of Chabahar are expected to bring the region to the forefront as a connectivity point for its neighboring countries, hence contributing to the fast growth of the Iranians’ economy as a whole and enhancing its prominence as a key player in the region’s cooperative processes.

The positive impact of this on the tourist industry is that tourists from Gulf countries and the Asian subcontinent will be able to easily access the offerings of Chabahar. Since the tourist industry has been a leading factor in the economic development of this region, increasing the flight routes to Chabahar will help tap into the immense potential it holds.