โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Shahrekord Airport (CQD/OIFS) is a significant regional aviation facility located in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of southwestern Iran, serving the city of Shahrekord. Situated at an elevation of over 2,049 meters (6,722 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest airports in the country, earning Shahrekord the title of the 'Roof of Iran.' The airport plays a vital role in supporting regional commerce, governmental services, and the local tourism industry, providing a key air link for the mountainous province.
The terminal building is a functional and well-maintained facility designed to manage the regional passenger volume efficiently in the high-altitude environment. Inside, travelers will find a unified departures and arrivals hall, which includes basic check-in counters and a sheltered waiting area with seating. Amenities at the airport are focused on the essentials, such as clean restroom facilities and general information signage. Due to its regional focus and smaller scale, there are no extensive retail shops or diverse dining options available on-site, so visitors are encouraged to make any necessary food or supply purchases in the city center of Shahrekord before their flight.
Operational capacity at Shahrekord Airport is supported by a single paved runway (16/34) measuring approximately 3,005 meters in length, which is capable of handling narrow-body commercial jets and various regional aircraft. Navigation through the terminal is exceptionally easy due to its compact and logical layout. For ground transportation, the airport is located about 10 kilometers from the city center, with taxi services and private vehicle transfers readily available to transport visitors to their final destination or to explore the province's stunning mountain landscapes and natural springs.
๐ Connection Tips
Shahrekord Airport (CQD) is notable for being the highest airport in Iran, situated at an elevation of 2,049 meters, and 'connecting' through this facility is defined by its role as a regional gateway to the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Most passengers arriving at CQD are connecting from major Iranian hubs, primarily Tehran's Mehrabad Airport (THR). If your journey involves an international arrival at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) followed by a domestic flight to Shahrekord, you must allow at least 4 to 5 hours for the transfer between IKA and THR, which are located on opposite sides of the capital. This transition requires clearing customs and immigration at IKA before a taxi or shuttle ride to the domestic terminal. Due to CQD's high-altitude location, flight schedules can be sensitive to mountain weather patterns; afternoon winds or low visibility can occasionally lead to delays, so it is recommended to build a half-day buffer into your travel plans. For those connecting to onward ground transportation, official airport taxis are available for the 10-kilometer trip to the Shahrekord city center, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Many international travelers choose to fly into Isfahan International Airport (IFN), located about 100 kilometers away, as it offers more frequent connections and acts as a common alternative gateway for the region. The terminal at CQD is a functional, single-building facility with unified arrival and departure zones, making navigation effortless. Amenities are minimal, so handle major dining or banking needs before arriving. Always confirm your flight status directly with the airline, as regional schedules in southwestern Iran can be flexible and subject to change based on seasonal demand.
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
Sahand Airport (ACP) primarily functions as a domestic feeder airport within Iran, with its flight connections largely centered around Tehran-Mehrabad International Airport (THR). Iran Air is a key airline operating this route. The airport generally handles a limited number of flights on a single route, connecting to one city and country at a time. This makes Tehran the de facto hub for any onward travel, whether to other domestic destinations within Iran or for international flights.\n\nFor international travel, passengers from ACP will need to connect through major international airports in Iran, such as Tehran-Mehrabad (THR) or Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) for international departures. When planning such connections, it is crucial to allow ample time. For domestic-to-domestic connections via THR, a minimum of 60-90 minutes is usually sufficient. However, for connections involving an international flight, a more generous buffer of 2.5 to 3 hours is highly recommended to account for potential delays, baggage claim, and re-check-in procedures at the larger international airport.\n\nGround transportation from Sahand Airport to Maragheh city center is available via taxis and private transfers. It is advisable to negotiate fares in advance, as meters are rarely used. Public transport options may be limited. The airport operates during specific hours (e.g., Summer from 03:00 to 09:30 UTC and Winter from 04:00 to 10:30 UTC), and prior permission is required 72 hours in advance for operations outside these hours. Travelers should verify flight statuses in real-time through flight tracking services.
โ Back to Shahrekord Airport