The closure of Mehrabad Airport in the Iranian capital and some other airports across Iran was the last move from Pahlavi regime in order to prevent Imam Khomeini from flying to Tehran.
Shah, who had already been forced to flee Iran due to popular public uprising but had installed Bakhtiar as his puppet preimeir
Bakhtiar had ordered military occupation of the airports which took place on January 24, 1979 in order to prevent historic return of Imam.
On 26 January, massive rallies and marches were held in support of Imam Khomeini. Thousands of people had come from all cities and towns to Tehran in order to attend massive rallies.
Bakhtiar had sought unsuccessfully to persuade Imam Khomeini to postpone his return to Iran. Imam refused to negotiate with Bakhtiar regime and refused to receive a member of the regency council Bakhtiar sent as an emissary to Paris. Imam also rejected Bakhtiar's offer to come to the French capital personally for consultations.
On February 1, 1979, Imam Khomeini was welcomed by millions of people who had converged on the capital Tehran from across the country.
Imam’s arrival after spending more than 14 years in exile put an end to the monarchy of the foreign-backed regime in the country.
The day when Imam Khomeini returned to Tehran marks the start of 10 days of celebrations better known as the 10-Day Dawn festivities.
Millions of people are set to mark the 38th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The victory of Islamic Revolution under the wise leadership of Imam Khomeini changed the balance of power in the interests of oppressed nations.