Joey Buscarin

For weeks now, Iran's land borders were the only options for people to leave the country.

In Turkey, they would then catch flights from a small regional airport and continue on to international destinations.

In a statement, Iran's national carrier, Iran Air, said it would resume flights to five international destinations, Istanbul, Baku, Doha, Najaf, and Baghdad.

Iran Air's first flight from Tehran landed in Istanbul Saturday morning, as well as flights operated by private carriers, Marash Airlines and Mahan Air.

For NPR News, I'm Joey Buscarin in Istanbul.