At a politically sensitive moment as conflict between Israel and Iran appears imminent—and the United States openly considers stepping in—Iran’s largest airline, Mahan Air, has announced the resumption of select China-Iran passenger routes starting June 22.
According to Mahan Air’s official flight bulletin, the resumed routes include:
* Shanghai Pudong-Mashhad-Shanghai Pudong (PVG-MHD-PVG): Round trips on Mondays and Thursdays (W5076), and Wednesdays and Sundays (W5077)
* Beijing Capital-Mashhad-Beijing Capital (PEK-MHD-PEK): Round trips on Tuesdays (W5078) and Sundays (W5079)
* Flights to/from Guangzhou and Shenzhen will be announced later
This phase of resumed operations is scheduled from June 22 to July 20, 2025, with adjustments to be made based on the evolving geopolitical situation.
Notably, Mahan Air has shifted its Iranian hub from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) to Mashhad International Airport (MHD), located in Iran’s northeast.
Mashhad is not only the country’s second-largest city but also strategically positioned near the borders with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan—far from the likely conflict zone with Israel. This shift suggests a deliberate move to utilize a strategic rear location.
The timing and routing of this flight resumption remain unexplained. However, Mahan Air has a history of aligning its flight operations with Iran’s broader geopolitical strategies. Each route change often relects deeper strategic intension.
In this context, the choice to reconnect with China while bypassing Tehran and focusing on Mashhad has sparked heightened international attention.
