Khaneh Airport (KHA)

Khaneh Airport (KHA), officially identified by its ICAO code OITH and serving the city of Piranshahr (historically known as Khaneh), is a small regional aviation facility located in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran. Situated in a strategically significant border region near Iraq, the airport serves as a critical transport link for government personnel, local administrative services, and potential domestic charter operations. The facility sits at a high elevation of approximately 4,774 feet (1,455 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by the rugged mountainous terrain of the Zagros range. The terminal infrastructure at Khaneh is minimalist and designed for functional efficiency in a low-volume transit environment. It consists of a single-story building that manages basic passenger waiting and briefing functions. The layout is straightforward, with all essential functions—including a small check-in area and a functional waiting lounge—housed within a single open-plan structure. Because the airport handles almost exclusively light fixed-wing aircraft and government flights, the distance from the terminal entrance to the aircraft apron is exceptionally short, allowing for rapid passenger processing and manual baggage handling. Amenities within the Khaneh terminal are extremely limited, and travelers should arrive fully self-sufficient. There are no formal restaurants, Duty-Free shops, or ATMs on-site, and modern conveniences like public Wi-Fi and climate control are generally not present at the airfield. Basic seating and sanitation facilities are available, but for any comprehensive services, visitors must transit to the nearby Piranshahr city center. The airport features a single 1,408-meter (4,619 ft) bitumen runway that is well-maintained to support turboprop aircraft typical of regional Iranian aviation. The facility is strictly restricted to authorized daylight operations, as the airfield has limited navigation lighting compared to larger international hubs. Ground transportation at KHA is informal and primarily limited to local taxi services stationed near the airfield entrance, with central Piranshahr just a short drive away. There are no dedicated airport shuttle buses or permanent car rental desks on-site; travelers needing independent transport are advised to arrange for pick-ups through local contacts or government offices. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their domestic flight to account for standard security procedures at this sensitive border-region facility. For those seeking major commercial air links, the larger Urmia Airport (OMH) is located approximately 105 kilometers to the north.