Iran Air has officially begun direct passenger flights between Quetta, Pakistan, and Zahedan, Iran, in a move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity.
The maiden flight, an Airbus A-319, touched down at Quetta International Airport on Friday night at 9:15 p.m. After a two-hour layover, it departed for Zahedan — the capital of Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province — at 11:30 p.m. with 75 passengers on board.
For now, the route will run once a week, though officials have hinted at adding more flights if demand grows.
Symbolic Start with Local Support
The launch was marked by a small ceremony at Quetta airport, attended by Iranian consulate officials, members of the local business community, and representatives from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Airport manager Waheed Shah, terminal manager Ismail Khoso, and the ASF’s chief security officer were among those present.
Trade and travel between Pakistan’s Balochistan province and southeastern Iran have long relied on road routes, which are often hampered by security challenges and limited infrastructure. The new flight could offer a faster, safer alternative — particularly for business travelers and religious visitors.
Pilgrimage Travel Still Restricted by Road
The development comes just weeks after Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that pilgrims would be barred from traveling by road to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen due to security risks. That restriction, agreed upon after consultations with provincial authorities and security agencies, underscores the importance of alternative travel links like the new Quetta–Zahedan air route.
If passenger uptake is strong, this flight could be a first step toward more frequent and diversified air links between the two neighboring regions.
