After a tempestuous build-up, the first direct Air France Paris-Tehran flight in eight years has safely landed in the Iranian capital. Air France has
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After a tempestuous build-up, the first direct Air France Paris-Tehran flight in eight years has safely landed in the Iranian capital.
Air France has landed in Tehran (reporters not allowed on the runway ...) pic.twitter.com/zJSt53cLuT
— Golnar Motevalli (@golnarM) April 17, 2016
A row over Iran forcing the airline’s female staff to cover their heads when outside the plane put something of a dampener on the occasion.
Hostesses and pilots are allowed to refuse to work on the route, but those who agree must also comply with the Islamic republic’s local law.
“I’ll wear the veil since Iranian law obliges me to do so and both tolerance and respect for customs and cultures are part of Air France’s values,” said stewardess Laurence Priard, who worked on the flight.
On board, Air France’s normal rules apply, including the operation of a full catering service and alcohol – which is banned in Iran.
The resumption of direct flights is one in a number of steps taken to rebuild relations after sanctions against Iran for its controversial nuclear programme were partially lifted in July 2015.