Lifting of sanctions to spur Iran travel. Turkish Airlines & Gulf carriers have large presence

The lifting of sanctions against Iran will surely produce a flurry of international expansion. Mahan Air, now larger than flag carrier Iran Air, has been growing in China while waiting for European opportunities.

Mahan and Iran Air currently account for about 35% of seat capacity in Iran's international market. Turkish is the largest foreign carrier in Iran with about a 12% share of international seat capacity, followed by Emirates and flydubai with 9% and 6% respectively.

STOP PRESS! CAPA announces Iran Aviation Summit, Tehran 24-25 January 2016 - first major international aviation summit to be held in Iran in almost 40 years, with the full backing of Iran's aviation authorities and industry leaders. The Iranian delegation comprises the 100 most influential people in Iranian aviation and travel. They will be joined by more than 150 industry leaders from around the world, meeting to discuss the potential of the market in a post-sanctions environment. Click here to view the Iran delegate line-up.

Dubai is already a hub for Iranian business and could further prosper, with resulting benefits to airlines. Dubai is the largest market for Mahan and Iran Air, helping ensure air traffic rights are not a one-sided request. flydubai serves nine cities in Iran, more than any other foreign carrier; Turkish Airlines serves seven and has more favourable geography for connections to Europe and North America. Secondary cities could be important as foreign carriers swamp Tehran.