A historic milestone was achieved in Iran as an all-women flight landed in Mashhad on Sunday. Operated by Aseman Airlines, the flight was piloted by Shahrzad Shams, one of Iran’s pioneering female aviators. Named “Iran Banoo” (Iran Lady), the flight carried 110 passengers and arrived at Hasheminejad International Airport, which is located near the revered shrine of Imam Reza.
This flight marked the first of its kind in Mashhad, with both an all-female crew and female passengers on board. Its arrival coincided with the anniversary of the birth of Fatima al-Zahra, a significant day in Iran, celebrated as National Women/Mother’s Day. The flight underscores the increasing participation of women in Iran’s aviation sector, where female pilots, though still a minority, are becoming more prominent.
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Shahrzad Shams, who piloted the flight, has been recognized for her groundbreaking achievements in a field traditionally dominated by men. While female pilots have made significant strides in recent years, Iran’s aviation industry continues to see limited female representation. In 2019, Neshat Jahandari and Forouz Firouzi became the first women to operate a commercial flight in Iran.
Meanwhile, in a related cultural shift, Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmady was recently arrested for performing a virtual concert without wearing a hijab, defying Iran’s strict morality laws. Despite the ongoing challenges, these events reflect the growing push for women’s rights and freedoms within Iran.
