Kerman Airport (KER)

Kerman International Airport (KER), officially known as Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani International Airport, is a premier aviation hub serving southeastern Iran. As of early 2026, the airport has undergone a transformative expansion, featuring a massive new 20,000-square-meter passenger terminal that has increased the facility's total capacity to over 2.5 million passengers annually. This modern glass-and-steel structure serves as the primary gateway for travelers exploring the historic Kerman province, including the UNESCO-listed Bam Citadel and the unique Kaluts Desert formation.

The airport complex is vertically organized to optimize passenger flow and comfort. The ground floor of the new terminal is dedicated to arrivals and check-in, housing modern ticketing counters for major carriers like Mahan Air and Iran Air, alongside efficient baggage reclaim carousels. The upper levels serve as the secure airside departure zone, featuring air-conditioned waiting lounges and dedicated zones for international and domestic boarding. The infrastructure is specifically designed to handle wide-body aircraft, supported by a 3,847-meter runway situated at a challenging elevation of 5,741 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level.

Amenities within the Kerman terminal provide a high standard of service while showcasing regional cultural heritage. Passengers can relax in a dedicated CIP (Commercial Important Person) Lounge, which offers business services and refreshments in a quiet environment. The commercial zone features specialized retail outlets selling world-famous Kerman carpets, high-quality local pistachios, and traditional Persian sweets like kolompeh. Other essential facilities include 24/7 prayer rooms (Musalla), a medical first-aid unit, and kiosks for local 'Tourist Debit Cards' designed for international visitors whose credit cards may not work due to regional banking sanctions.

Ground transportation at KER is well-coordinated with the Kerman city center, located approximately 10 kilometers to the east at the end of Jomhouri Boulevard. Yellow airport taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall 24/7, providing a reliable and regulated link to major hotels. For a more modern experience, the ride-sharing app 'Snapp' is widely used and offers transparent pricing for the 15-to-20 minute journey. For those arriving by private vehicle, expansive outdoor parking lots are situated directly in front of the domestic and international terminal buildings. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to account for thorough security and documentation checks.