Following the implementation of Iran’s nuclear deal and the subsequent lift of sanctions, many European countries showed interest in resuming all-out relations with the Islamic Republic. Within this framework and with agreement reached between Iranian and French airliners, the first Air France flight landed in Tehran after eight years of suspension due to international sanctions.
Flight AF738 from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle touched down at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini international airport at 8:00 PM Tehran time (15:30 GMT), 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
Air France has stated the airline will schedule three flights a week between Paris and Tehran.
The flight carried French Transport Minister Alain Vidalies, along with a 22-strong delegation who will stay for a two-day visit in the Iranian capital.
According to Reza Jafarzadeh, the Head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization public relations office, Qeshm and Kish Islands as well as cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Ardebil, Yazd, Kashan, Hamadan, Tabriz, Rasht, Gorgan and the ancient city of Susa mark the main destinations for French tourists.
Iran reached an agreement with France to buy 114 aircraft from Airbus for national carriers Iran Air, Mahan and Homa, during the visit of President Rouhani to Paris in January.
Italy’s Alitalia, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa of Germany already fly to Tehran, and British Airways is planning to resume its London-Tehran service in July.
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