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
Abumusa Island Airport (AEU) is a regional facility located on Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf, within the Hormozgan Province of Iran. Due to the island's strategic location, the airport serves as a critical link for the local population and government personnel, primarily offering domestic connections to mainland cities such as Bandar Abbas. The terminal is a functional, mid-sized structure that manages a regular schedule of commercial flights, reflecting the island's unique administrative and maritime importance in the region.
The terminal layout is designed to facilitate efficient passenger processing for domestic routes. It houses essential zones including check-in counters, a security screening area, and a waiting lounge that provides comfortable seating for travelers. The airport is equipped with modern ground handling facilities managed by Saman Air Services, which oversee everything from station control to passenger assistance. Given the compact nature of the terminal, walking times from the entrance to the boarding gates are minimal, typically ensuring a quick and straightforward transit for all passengers.
Amenities at Abumusa Island Airport are tailored to the needs of regional travelers. While the airport does not feature extensive luxury lounges or international duty-free shops, it does provide basic services such as a small cafeteria and local kiosks offering refreshments and essential items. The terminal building is air-conditioned to cope with the humid Persian Gulf climate. Ground transportation options on the island are primarily focused on taxis and rental vehicles, which are conveniently located just outside the terminal to assist passengers in reaching their final destination.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Abumusa Island Airport (AEU) is a relatively simple process, as the facility primarily handles domestic traffic within Iran. The most common connection point for travelers is Bandar Abbas (BND), which serves as the main mainland hub for flights to the island. If you are transiting through AEU, it is important to reconfirm your flight status with Iran Air or your specific carrier at least 24 hours in advance. Schedules can occasionally be affected by regional maritime conditions or operational requirements.\n\nAs Abu Musa is a strategically sensitive island, travelers should ensure they have all necessary permits and identification ready for inspection. Security procedures are thorough and adhere to national standards, so allowing at least 90 minutes for check-in and screening is advisable. There are no international flights departing directly from AEU; any international journey must begin with a domestic leg to a major Iranian gateway like Tehran or Bandar Abbas.\n\nGround transportation on the island is limited but reliable. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall and are the most common way to reach local residences or government offices. If you are visiting for work, it is often best to have your local host arrange a pickup. Be aware that credit card acceptance is non-existent, and you must carry sufficient Iranian Rial (IRR) in cash for all your local expenses, as banking infrastructure on the island is basic.
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