Iran Air resumes Quetta-Zahedan flights, boosting trade hopes

QUETTA: The resumption of Iran Air flights between Quetta and Zahedan has raised hopes of stronger cross-border trade, improved business ties and easier travel between Pakistan and Iran after a temporary suspension of the service.

Flight IRA 0827 arrived at Quetta International Airport from Zahedan on Tuesday before returning to the Iranian city with more than 80 passengers on board, marking the restoration of an important air link between Balochistan and neighbouring Iran.

The restored service is expected to provide greater convenience for businesspeople, traders and other passengers who travel between the two countries for commercial, professional and personal reasons.

The development comes as business communities on both sides seek ways to expand bilateral trade and establish stronger commercial partnerships.

During a meeting, Zahedan Chamber of Commerce President Haji Hakim Regi and members of the Quetta business community discussed measures to improve trade relations, encourage cooperation between traders and explore new commercial opportunities.

The discussions highlighted the importance of reliable transport links in facilitating business activities and strengthening economic connections between the neighbouring regions.

For traders in Balochistan, the direct air connection could make business trips to Iran more convenient, reducing the need for longer journeys and helping commercial representatives maintain closer contact with their counterparts across the border.

The resumption may also support broader cooperation in trade and investment, although the scale of its economic impact will depend on passenger demand, the continuity of flights and progress in commercial engagement.

Flight service resumes after suspension

Iran Air’s routes connecting Quetta with Zahedan and Mashhad were inaugurated by Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhail in December 2025.

The services were subsequently suspended amid the prevailing international situation, disrupting an air connection intended to facilitate travel and strengthen relations between the two countries.

The restoration of the Quetta-Zahedan route marks a renewed opportunity to improve regional connectivity and support people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Iran.

Zahedan, located in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, has geographical and commercial links with Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Quetta, meanwhile, serves as a major commercial centre for the province and an important hub for trade-related activity.

Regular air connectivity between the two cities could complement existing cross-border commercial links and provide an additional travel option for business communities.

Business community looks for stronger ties

The latest discussions between representatives of the two chambers of commerce reflect continued interest in expanding economic cooperation and addressing barriers to trade.

Business leaders are seeking stronger partnerships that could help traders explore new markets, improve commercial coordination and increase exchanges between the two sides.

While the restoration of flights is a positive step, sustained services and practical trade initiatives will be important to turn improved connectivity into lasting economic benefits.

For Quetta and Zahedan, the renewed air link offers an opportunity to strengthen commercial relations and make cross-border travel more accessible.