โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mehrabad International Airport is Tehran's historic aviation hub and Iran's busiest airport by passenger volume, handling over 12.3 million passengers annually despite primarily serving domestic operations since 2007. Originally opened in 1938 with international recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization in 1949, the airport served as Iran's primary international gateway until the opening of Imam Khomeini International Airport. Located at an elevation of 3,962 feet above sea level in central Tehran, Mehrabad remains strategically important as the primary hub for Iran's major airlines and the headquarters of Iran Air and the Iran Civil Aviation Organization.
The airport features three parallel runways designed to handle high-volume domestic traffic: Runway 09/27 measuring 1,556 feet, and two longer parallel runways 11L/29R (13,098 feet) and 11R/29L (13,248 feet), providing excellent capacity for simultaneous operations. This infrastructure enables the airport to efficiently manage its status as a hub for most Iranian airlines, serving domestic routes to 41 cities across Iran. The runway configuration and length accommodate everything from regional turboprops to wide-body aircraft used on longer domestic routes within Iran's vast territory.
The terminal complex consists of multiple specialized facilities: Terminal 1 exclusively serves Kish Air, Zagros, and Varesh Airlines; Terminal 2 functions as the primary hub for Iran Air, Iran Air Tours, Meraj Airlines, Qeshm Air, and Ata Airlines, featuring dedicated jet bridges for Meraj Airlines and handling all cargo operations; while Terminals 4 and 6, opened in 2007, manage departures and arrivals respectively for all other carriers. This terminal segregation system helps optimize passenger flow and reduces congestion across the airport complex.
Mehrabad Airport offers comprehensive ground transportation connectivity, including two dedicated Tehran Metro stations serving the airport complex: one for Terminals 1 and 2, and another for Terminals 4 and 6, providing efficient urban transit links to central Tehran. The airport maintains its international airport designation and infrastructure despite focusing primarily on domestic operations, with facilities including shops, cafes, airline service desks near check-in halls, and comprehensive passenger amenities across all terminals, making it a vital transportation hub for Iran's domestic aviation network.
๐ Connection Tips
Mehrabad International Airport is Tehran's primary domestic aviation hub, handling over 12 million passengers annually despite focusing mainly on domestic flights since 2007. Located in central Tehran at 3,962 feet elevation, the airport features multiple specialized terminals: Terminal 1 serves Kish Air, Zagros, and Varesh Airlines; Terminal 2 is the main hub for Iran Air, Iran Air Tours, Meraj Airlines, Qeshm Air, and Ata Airlines; while Terminals 4 and 6 handle departures and arrivals for other carriers. The terminal segregation system helps optimize passenger flow and reduces congestion.
The airport offers excellent ground transportation connectivity through two dedicated Tehran Metro stations: one serving Terminals 1 and 2, and another for Terminals 4 and 6, providing efficient urban transit links to central Tehran. This metro connection is particularly valuable given Tehran's notorious traffic congestion. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but the metro often provides faster travel times to the city center.
Mehrabad maintains comprehensive passenger amenities across all terminals, including shops, cafes, airline service desks near check-in halls, currency exchange, and prayer facilities. The airport's three parallel runways can handle simultaneous operations, reducing delays during peak periods. Iran Air's headquarters location at the airport means extensive domestic route options to 41 Iranian cities, making it the country's most comprehensive domestic connectivity hub.
Passengers should allow extra time for security procedures and potential terminal transfers, especially during peak travel periods. The airport operates in Persian and English, though Persian signage is predominant. International travelers should note that while Mehrabad retains its international designation and infrastructure, most international flights now operate from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located much further from the city center. Currency exchange services are available, but cash transactions are common throughout Iran's aviation system.
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.
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