Iran urges ICAO to designate two airports as ‘safe’ for humanitarian operations in wartime
Iran has requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to designate two airports within the country as "safe airports" to facilitate humanitarian operations, with Mashhad as the top priority, IRNA reported.
Head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization Abouzar Shirudi made the appeal during a virtual meeting with Khelifa Rahma, the newly appointed regional director of ICAO for the Middle East, on Friday evening.
Shirudi stated that Mashhad airport in the northeast remains Iran’s top priority for designation as a safe airport. He also sought designation for a second, unnamed airport to ensure operational flexibility.
The meeting was held following multiple attacks by the US and the Zionist regime on Iranian infrastructure, including airports and navigation systems, since they launched aggression against the country on Feb. 28.
The request aims to secure routes for humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and the evacuation of foreign nationals from Iran, as well as the return of Iranian citizens from abroad.
In a separate statement on the damages, Head of Iran Air Taher Abdolhay has recently said that four passenger aircraft operated by Iranian airlines had been deliberately targeted in US-Zionist attacks, calling it a clear violation of international human rights laws.
In the virtual meeting, Shirudi also emphasized that the recent attacks on Iranian airports and aviation infrastructure constitute a clear violation of the Chicago Convention. He provided an update on the state of Iran’s aviation industry in the wake of the recent conflict, highlighting the impact of the attacks.
The aviation chief urged the international body to pressure aggressors to comply with international laws regarding the protection of civil aviation infrastructure.
In response, Rahma pledged to exert every effort to designate Mashhad as a safe airport. He also commended Iran for its efforts to maintain aviation safety and manage airspace closures effectively during the conflict.
Highlighting Iran's role as a founding member of ICAO and its key influence in the Middle East, Rahma expressed hope that conditions would improve soon, allowing for a strong return by Iran to the global aviation industry.
Over 52,000 flights canceled
More than two weeks after the commencement of the attack on Iran, the global aviation industry is facing one of the largest disruptions in its contemporary history, with tens of thousands of flights on routes connected to the Middle East canceled or rerouted.
According to Tasnim news agency, citing the latest data from the aviation analysis firm Cirium, over 52,000 flights have been canceled out of approximately 98,000 planned flights for the Middle East region since the beginning of the U.-Zionist attack on Iran. This event has affected around 6 million passengers.