French airport operator Vinci Airports has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the expansion of Mashhad and Isfahan International airports in Iran. Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, signed the agreement with Vinci during a state visit to France last week (January 24-30, 2016).
Mashhad International is Iran’s second largest airport and served 8.2 million passengers in 2014, whereas Isfahan International is ranked as Iran’s fifth largest airport and served 2.6 million passengers in 2014.
The MoU is part of Vinci Airport’s international expansion strategy and is the first step toward a concessions arrangement to renovate, extend and operate the two airports. Tourism in Iran increased by more than 35% in 2014 following the removal of international sanctions.
