โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Sahand Airport (ACP), with ICAO code OITM, is a small public airport situated in Maragheh, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. It primarily serves the local communities of Maragheh and Bonab, facilitating essential domestic flights. The airport operates from a single, compact terminal building that is designed for basic passenger processing. Its layout is straightforward and integrated, featuring clearly defined areas for check-in and a simple waiting area before passengers proceed to the departure gate.
The terminal, though modest, aims to provide functional services. While detailed information about extensive internal amenities is not readily available, travelers should expect basic facilities suitable for a regional airport. There are no extensive retail shops or dedicated dining options beyond perhaps a small cafรฉ or snack bar. VIP lounges are available, catering to passengers seeking additional comfort and privacy.
Security procedures at ACP adhere to national regulations for regional airports, involving standard screening protocols for both carry-on and checked baggage, along with personal checks. Given the limited flight schedule and moderate passenger volume, wait times at security checkpoints are generally short, rarely exceeding 10-15 minutes during peak periods. As ACP handles domestic traffic exclusively, there are no international immigration or customs facilities on site; these functions would be processed at larger international airports in Iran if connecting from an international flight.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Sahand Airport involves navigating Iran's most limited domestic aviation facility serving Maragheh and Bonab in East Azerbaijan Province, where Iran Air operates the sole commercial route with flight IR3384 providing once-weekly service to Tehran-Mehrabad International Airport using ATR 72/42 turboprop aircraft for the 1 hour 30 minute journey. This minimal schedule makes ACP one of Iran's least connected airports, requiring careful coordination for travelers needing to reach this northwestern region known for its historical significance as the former Mongol capital and astronomical observatory site dating to the 13th century.
Domestic connections through Tehran-Mehrabad's Terminal 2 enable access to Iran Air's extensive domestic network serving over 30 Iranian cities including Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Bandar Abbas, while international connections require transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport located 30 kilometers south of Tehran for foreign carrier services. The limited weekly frequency demands flexible travel planning with potential multi-day stays in Maragheh if missing the single departure, making road transport via the 75-kilometer journey to Tabriz International Airport a common alternative for more frequent flight options.
Ground transportation from Sahand Airport to Maragheh city center 15 kilometers away relies primarily on pre-arranged taxis with negotiated fares as no public transport serves this remote facility, while the historic city offers access to UNESCO-tentative sites including the Maragheh Observatory remains and Ilkhanid period monuments. Weather considerations in this mountainous region at 1,350 meters elevation include severe winters with potential snow disruptions from December through March affecting the single runway operations, while summer heat exceeding 35ยฐC can impact ATR aircraft performance. The airport's strategic importance remains limited to serving local government officials and providing emergency medical evacuation capabilities for this agricultural region producing grapes, apricots, and walnuts in the fertile Sufi Chay river valley.
โ Back to Arak Airport