US Airstrike Damages Iranian Mahan Air Plane at Mashhad Airport, Disrupting Planned Humanitarian Aid Flight to India

A US airstrike on Iran’s Mashhad International Airport reportedly damaged a civilian aircraft operated by Mahan Air, according to Iranian sources, potentially halting a mission to collect essential medical supplies and humanitarian aid from New Delhi.

Iranian officials said the plane, parked at the airport, was scheduled to depart for the Indian capital this week, with some reports indicating a planned arrival on April 1, to pick up over 11 tonnes of medicines and other relief items intended for civilians affected by the ongoing regional conflict. India had earlier dispatched an initial consignment of medical aid to Iran via the Iranian Red Crescent Society on March 18.

The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization and embassy in India strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a “war crime” and a clear violation of international law that targets humanitarian efforts. No immediate details were provided on casualties or the precise extent of damage to the aircraft or airport infrastructure.

The reported strike forms part of broader US airstrikes on Iranian targets amid escalating tensions in the region. Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and a key northeastern hub, has seen previous strikes on infrastructure in recent weeks.

This incident has raised concerns over the safety of civilian aviation and the flow of humanitarian assistance during the conflict.