Iran closes central, western airspace to intl transit flights

TEHRAN - Iran on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace in the country's central and western parts to international transit flights after having reopened it five days ago.

The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran and in view of the security and safety assessments under the country's present circumstances, spokesman of the Iranian Roads and Urban Development Ministry Majid Akhavan said in a statement.

He said that the suspension of domestic and foreign flights to and from airports in Iran's northern, southern and western parts was extended until 14:00 local time (1030 GMT) on Thursday.

He added the country's eastern airspace, which had been reopened on June 29 to domestic and international flights, would remain open.

Iran on Saturday reopened its airspace in central and western areas to international transit flights.

The country closed its airspace on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. After a 12-day aerial conflict, the two countries achieved a ceasefire on June 24.