West Asia War: US tells citizens to leave Iran immediately as airspace partially reopens, flags exit risks

The US Department of State issued a fresh advisory on Wednesday asking American citizens to leave Iran without delay, even as the West Asian country’s airspace has begun to partially reopen.

In a post on its official consular handle on X, the department said the situation remains uncertain and urged U.S. nationals to act quickly.

“As of April 21, Iran’s airspace has partially reopened. U.S. citizens should leave Iran now, monitor local media for updates, and consult with commercial carriers for additional information on flights out of Iran,” the advisory said.


Also Read | Iran to reopen airspace in phased "four-stage" plan following regional conflict

While flights are resuming in phases, officials cautioned that air travel may not be the only option.

US citizens have been advised that they can also consider overland routes to neighbouring countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Turkmenistan, depending on conditions at border crossings.

"Americans seeking to depart Iran may also depart by land to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan. U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area," the advisory further read.

Also Read | Iran to resume international flights from Mashhad airport on Monday

At the same time, the advisory flags potential complications for those trying to leave. It warns that Iranian authorities could delay departures or impose an “exit fee” on travellers. Another key concern noted is for dual nationals — U.S.-Iranian citizens are required to exit the country using their Iranian passports, which can complicate consular assistance.

"Be aware that the Iranian government may prevent U.S. citizens from departing or charge an “exit fee” for departures from Iran. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports," it added.

Iran plans reopening airspace

Even as the advisory urges Americans to leave, Iranian authorities are working on a structured plan to restore normal air traffic after months of disruption.

The country is preparing a four-stage reopening of its airspace, beginning with limited transit access and gradually expanding to full operations.

Officials from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation have indicated that the rollout will move geographically - from eastern regions toward the west.

The first phase will allow transit flights to pass through Iranian airspace. In the next stage, airports in the eastern part of the country will resume operations. The third phase will bring major hubs like Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport back into service, reopening both domestic and international routes.

In the final stage, western aviation hubs will be brought back online, completing the nationwide reopening.