Dramatic footage showed Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport on fire after airstrikes hit the Iranian capital in the early hours of Saturday, state media reported.
The airport, which opened in 1938, is located near the center of the sprawling capital city. It is owned by the Iranian government and considered the busiest in the country.
Since 2004, most international flights have been handled by the Imam Khomeini International Airport, located outside the city. Mehrabad, however remains a crucial domestic hub.
The footage of flames emerged after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it launched a “broad-scale wave of strikes” against Tehran in the early hours of the morning.
The extent of the damage to the airport is unclear.
Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency accused Israel of striking the airport. It is not clear if the compound was struck directly. CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment on whether it had targeted the airport.
One frequent flyer said the airport was Tehran’s “first real international airport,” recalling fond memories of families gathering to greet or say farewell to loved ones traveling to or arriving from America and airport security complimenting her wedding dress during a luggage inspection.
“We all love it… despite the fact that the airport was outdated and needed expansion and rebuilding,” they told CNN, speaking anonymously.
“It was one of those good old-fashioned, middle size airports in the Middle East, and it took us right through the main square. The staff took special pride working at the airport. It was a coveted job, and a hot job to have, as everyone was so handsome or good looking.”
Among its key routes within Iran, Mehrabad handles 94 weekly flights to Mashhad (MHD), 69 to Ahvaz (AWZ) and 51 to Shiraz (SYZ) airports, according to Flightradar24.
Other popular destinations within the country include Kish Island, Tabriz city and Kerman city.
Eugenia Yosef contributed reporting.
This post has been updated with new information.
