British Airways has announced the launch of its new direct flights to Tehran from London Heathrow, starting September 1.
The announcement follows the recent relaxation of sanctions and offers choices for Iran as a tourist destination with its rich heritage and culture, exceptional architecture, and world-class food and delicacies.
Tehran is also an emerging market today with significant opportunities for businesses to grow commercial links.
Offering more choice and flexibility between London and the Middle East, British Airways’ new Tehran service will depart six times a week (every day except Sunday) from Heathrow’s terminal 5. The flight will depart at 21.10 hours and arrive into Imam Khomeini International at 06.25 hours the following day. The returning BA152 with depart Imam Khomeini International at 08.35 hours and arrive into Heathrow Terminal 5 at 23.10 hours the same day.
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Head of network and fleet, said: ‘British Airways has a long history of flying to Iran so we are very excited to be launching our new six times a week service, direct from Heathrow to Tehran.
‘Iran is a fascinating country, full of amazing and surprising places for tourists to visit and discover its sophisticated and ancient culture.
‘The recent lifting of sanctions has also effectively allowed Iran to re-open for business and paved the way for commerce to re-connect with Iran’s economy, which is the second largest in Middle East and North Africa, with a diverse range of businesses and industries.’
Though yet to emerge as a popular tourist destination globally, Iran has much for travellers to explore. British Airways’ recommendations include the modern metropolis of Tehran with its magnificent mosques, ancient fortresses, regal palaces, temples, and dozens of museums; Darband, a very popular destination for day-trippers from Tehran; Mount Damavand, the highest mountain in the Middle East at 5,671 m, Alborz mountains with its excellent ski resorts, and the several beautiful beach resorts.
Other major attractions of Iran include Isfahan – Iran’s second city known as ‘Half the World’ due to its elusive beauty, with ancient mosques, palaces, and minarets including the UNESCO-protected Naghsh-e Jahan Square; Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, Yazd, well-known for its wind-catchers (ventilators) and its Zoroastrian culture; Shiraz, with its several fine palaces and lush gardens as well as the famed Shiraz grape; Mashhad, located in the east of Iran and home to the shrine of Imam Reza, the largest mosque in the world, and the tomb of Persian poet Ferdowsi.’
The service from Heathrow Terminal 5 will be operated by a four-class Boeing 777 with return fares starting from GBP535 for customers flying in World Traveller, GBP938 for those flying in World Traveller Plus, GBP2198 for those travelling in Club World and GBP3,830 for those in First.
Visitors to Iran should check the latest travel advice with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before they fly: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran, the airline said.
