Airports in Iran

Iran, a country rich in culture, history, and hospitality, is well-connected domestically and internationally through a network of modern airports. Whether you’re arriving for religious pilgrimage, adventure tourism, or cultural exploration, knowing the key airports across the country can help you plan a smooth trip.

Major International Airports in Iran

1. Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

   • Location: South of Tehran

   • IATA Code: IKA

   • Main Gateway for international travelers

   • Services: Currency exchange, SIM cards, transportation, duty-free shops

2. Mehrabad International Airport (THR) – Tehran

   • IATA Code: THR

   • Handles most domestic flights

   • Historically Iran’s first major international airport

3. Mashhad International Airport (MHD)

   • IATA Code: MHD

   • Located in Mashhad, a major pilgrimage city

   • Serves millions visiting the Imam Reza Shrine

4. Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)

   • IATA Code: SYZ

   • Gateway to southern Iran and attractions like Persepolis

   • Increasingly popular with Gulf and European travelers

5. Isfahan International Airport (IFN)

   • IATA Code: IFN

   • Serves the cultural capital of Iran

   • Limited international connections; well-linked domestically

6. Tabriz International Airport (TBZ)

   • IATA Code: TBZ

   • Northern Iran’s main air hub, near Azerbaijan and Turkey

   • Offers direct flights to Turkey and Gulf countries

7. Kerman Airport (KER)

   • IATA Code: KER

   • Key for accessing Iran’s southeastern region and desert heritage

8. Ahvaz Airport (AWZ)

   • IATA Code: AWZ

   • Located in Iran’s oil-rich Khuzestan Province

9. Bandar Abbas Airport (BND)

   • IATA Code: BND

   • Gateway to southern coastal Iran and islands like Qeshm

10. Qeshm International Airport (GSM)

    • IATA Code: GSM

    • Serves Qeshm Island, a popular eco-tourism destination

11. Kish International Airport (KIH)

    • IATA Code: KIH

    • Located on Kish Island, famous for beaches and duty-free shopping

    • Popular with domestic and regional tourists

12. Urmia Airport (OMH)

    • IATA Code: OMH

    • Serves northwestern Iran near Turkey and Armenia

Domestic Travel in Iran

Iran has an extensive and affordable domestic flight network, connecting even remote cities. Domestic airlines include:

• Iran Air

• Mahan Air

• ATA Airlines

• Qeshm Air

• Kish Air

• Caspian Airlines

• FlyPersia

Air Travel Tips for Tourists

• Buy tickets in advance for peak seasons like Nowruz and religious holidays.

• Most airports have ride-hailing services like Snapp or Tap30.

• English signage is available at all major airports.

• For internal flights, Mehrabad (THR) and Mashhad (MHD) are the busiest.

• Visa-on-arrival is available at certain international airports for eligible nationalities.

Conclusion

With over 50 operational airports, Iran offers convenient air access to nearly every corner of the country. Whether you’re flying into Tehran or exploring the islands of the Persian Gulf, understanding the Iranian airport network will make your travel smoother and more enjoyable.