๐ฎ๐ท Arak, Iran
Arak Airport (AJK/OIHR) operates as central Iran's primary aviation gateway to Markazi Province's industrial capital, serving Arak from a location 10 kilometers north of the city center. Originally established in 1938 by the British as Sultanabad Airport (Arak's former name), this historic aviation facility underwent complete reconstruction and officially reopened in 2013 when a Boeing 707 carrying former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated the modernized 3,700-meter runway capable of accommodating all aircraft classes.
The contemporary terminal building provides essential passenger services including comfortable waiting lounges, restaurants, bars, duty-free shopping, and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity, designed to serve both domestic and limited international operations. Recent infrastructure upgrades include enhanced runway lighting systems and modernized air traffic control technology to improve operational safety for Iran's industrial heartland connections.
Domestic flight operations connect Arak with major Iranian cities through carriers including Aseman Airlines, Iran Airtour, and seasonal Mahan Air services, supporting the region's significant petrochemical and heavy machinery industries. As one of Iran's oldest airports with nearly a century of aviation history, AJK serves as a crucial transportation link for business travelers, government officials, and visitors accessing Markazi Province's industrial zones and academic institutions, while providing reliable connections to Iran's broader domestic aviation network.
Connecting at Arak Airport (AJK) is a straightforward process due to its intuitive single-terminal layout. Most domestic passengers reach AJK via direct flights from Tehran Mehrabad (THR) or Mashhad International (MHD). If you are planning an onward international connection, you will typically need to transit through Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
It is highly advisable to allow at least 5 to 6 hours for this transfer, as it involves a cross-city journey of approximately 50 kilometers between the Tehran Mehrabad (THR) domestic terminal and the Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) hub, which is frequently subject to significant and unpredictable traffic congestion along the Tehran-Qom Freeway. Building in this substantial buffer ensures you can clear domestic arrivals, navigate Tehran's urban traffic, and arrive with adequate time for international security and passport control.
Ground transportation from the Arak terminal is well-organized, with local taxis and municipality buses providing regular connections to the city center. A taxi ride to downtown Arak typically takes about 20 minutes and is the most reliable option for reaching local hotels or the industrial parks south of the city.
While digital ride-hailing services are expanding in Iran, pre-arranged private cars are still the preferred choice for many business travelers. Travelers should be aware that the region operates strictly on a cash basis in Iranian Rial (IRR); ensure you have sufficient currency for local transport and small airport expenses, as international credit cards are not accepted. Additionally, always confirm your flight status 24 hours in advance via the airlineโs local office, as regional schedules in central Iran can be subject to seasonal adjustments or operational requirements.
โข Arrive early because domestic departures can involve multiple security checks.
โข Try local sweets if the cafe is open before your flight.
โข Arak city center is close enough for quick business-focused trips.
โข Airline apps help with schedule updates and check-in at this airport.
โข Local SIM data is more dependable than relying only on airport Wi-Fi.
โข Winter travel here needs warm layers because plateau weather turns cold fast.
Minimum domestic connection:
40 minutes
International connections:
75 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources