Tehran Airports Disrupted: Mehrabad Struck, Imam Khomeini Closed

‍TEHRAN — Tehran’s two main airports, Mehrabad (THR) and Imam Khomeini International (IKA), are experiencing significant disruption as the regional conflict escalates, further impacting commercial aviation in Iranian airspace.

On March 7, 2026, Israel said it carried out strikes at THR and destroyed 16 aircraft it claimed were used by the IRGC Quds Force. The Times of Israel reported smoke and fire at the site following the strikes.

Meanwhile, IKA—Iran’s primary international gateway—appears to remain effectively closed to normal civilian traffic, with flight-tracking and airspace monitoring indicating continued widespread restrictions across Iranian airspace amid the escalation.

Airline suspensions signal how long the disruption may last: Lufthansa Group advisories indicate that Lufthansa flights to Tehran are suspended through March 28, 2026 (end of the winter schedule), with Austrian suspending service to Tehran through March 31.

For commercial aviation, the immediate effects include reduced access to Iran’s main hub airports, fewer routing options due to closed or high-risk airspace, and longer detours that increase block times and fuel consumption. These impacts extend beyond Iran’s borders.

Airport damage in the current crisis

The latest incidents in Tehran continue to add to the growing number of airports reporting damage linked to the escalating Middle East conflict and its impact on commercial aviation.

• Dubai International (DXB), UAE: Dubai Media Office said a concourse sustained minor damage and four staff were injured during the Feb. 28 incident and temporarily suspended operations on March 7 after regional air-defense activity prompted a safety response in Dubai’s airspace.
• Bahrain International (BAH), Bahrain: Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs reported a drone attack that caused minor material damage at the airport.
• Kuwait International (KWI), Kuwait: Kuwait’s DGCA said a drone targeted Terminal 1, causing minor injuries and limited material damage.
• Zayed International (AUH), Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed one fatality and seven injuries following an interception of a drone targeting the airport.
• Nakhchivan International (NAJ), Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said a drone struck the terminal building and another fell near a school, damaging the airport and injuring civilians; Iran denied involvement.