Support

Ahwaz Airport

About the Airport

Ahwaz Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Ahwaz International Airport is the main aerial gateway to southwestern Iran and the Khuzestan province. Located in the heart of the country's oil capital, this airport serves not only as a vital transport hub for business travellers but also as a starting point for those wishing to touch ancient Persian history. Despite the region's hot climate, the terminal welcomes guests with coolness and modern comfort, offering convenient connections for domestic and regional flights.
IATA Code AWZ
ICAO Code OIAW
City Ahwaz
Distance to centre 11 km
Status International
Passengers per year Approx. 2.9 million
Schedule Regular and seasonal flights
**Airport Features and Advantages** Ahwaz Airport plays a key role in the regional economy, ensuring connectivity with major Iranian cities and neighbouring countries in the Persian Gulf. Thanks to its compact location, you can reach the city centre in just 15–20 minutes by taxi, which is particularly appreciated by transit passengers and business tourists. Among the amenities of the terminal complex, the CIP lounge is worth noting for those who prefer to wait for their flight in an atmosphere of enhanced comfort. Passengers have access to bank branches, shops with local souvenirs, and cafes where one can taste traditional Iranian snacks. Given the extreme temperatures of the region during the summer period, the terminals are equipped with powerful air conditioning systems, creating a pleasant microclimate at any time of the year.

Contact Information

Below is the essential contact information for Ahwaz International Airport (AWZ), which you may need when planning your trip.

  • Official Website: Current information on airport operations, flight schedules, and available services can be found on the official website: ahvaz.airport.ir. Please note that the main version of the site may be in Persian.
  • Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +98 61 3443 4601-4. For calls from outside Iran, do not forget to dial the international code +98.
  • Airport Address: Ahvaz International Airport (AWZ), Boulevard Pasdaran, Ahwaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran.
  • Email: There is no official email for general passenger enquiries available in public sources. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
  • Social Media: At this moment, the airport does not have official pages on popular international social networks.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service directly at the airport.
  • Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, use the airport information desk numbers listed above.

Getting to the Airport

Ahwaz Airport (AWZ) is located near the city centre of Ahwaz, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can reach the terminal in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The journey from the city centre usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes, although this time may increase during peak hours.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Official taxis can be found throughout the city, and private transfer services are also available for pre-booking. For a more cost-effective trip, it is recommended to use local ride-hailing apps such as Snapp (the Iranian equivalent of Uber/Careem). This is not only convenient but also allows you to know the fare in advance. A taxi is the optimal choice for those travelling with luggage or valuing comfort.

Public Transport represents a more budget-friendly alternative. Although a metro system is developing in the city, buses are currently the main mode of public transport linking the airport with various districts of Ahwaz. Routes and schedules may change, so it is recommended to check current information on arrival. This option is suitable for economical travellers without a large amount of luggage.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement around Iran, there is an option for car rental. Several car rental companies have counters at the airport or offices in the city. This option is convenient if you plan trips outside of Ahwaz. The airport provides parking facilities, for both short-term and long-term stays, which is convenient for those arriving in their own vehicle.

If your plans are flexible, it is worth considering other airports in the region. The nearest major air hubs are Mahshahr Airport (MRX) and Abadan Airport (ABD), which also serve domestic flights. For international travel, you can consider Basra International Airport (BSR) in neighbouring Iraq or Kuwait International Airport (KWI).

Terminals and Map

Ahwaz International Airport Ahwaz (AWZ) is a compact and functional aviation hub that serves both domestic and international flights. The airport consists of one main passenger terminal, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers. Since all services are located in one building, there is no need for transfers between terminals.

The terminal layout is quite simple. The building is divided into several key zones. The departure zone includes check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, and a waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located separately and is equipped with luggage reclaim belts and customs control. Despite its modest size, the terminal features basic amenities, including small cafes, shops with souvenirs and essential goods, as well as prayer rooms.

Check-in and security procedures at Ahwaz airport usually proceed faster than in large international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours or the tourist season.

For convenient navigation through the airport, pay attention to the information boards and signs, which are duplicated in English. Airport staff are ready to help in case of questions. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, finding your boarding gate or luggage claim area will not be difficult, even if you are here for the first time. All main zones — check-in, security, waiting lounges, and luggage claim — are within walking distance of each other.

Airport History

The history of Ahwaz Airport (AWZ) is inextricably linked with the industrial development of Khuzestan province and all of Iran. The airport was officially opened for civil and commercial transport in 1962. Its creation was dictated by the need to ensure reliable air connections for one of the country's key industrial and oil-producing regions.

Throughout its history, the airport has served as an important transport hub, ensuring the connection of Ahwaz with Tehran and other major cities. In various periods, it played a strategic role in supporting the logistics and transport accessibility of the region. As passenger traffic grew and the number of flights increased, the airport infrastructure was gradually modernised, although its location ultimately became a constraining factor.

A key event in the recent history of the airport was the decision regarding its relocation. Due to the rapid growth of Ahwaz, the air terminal ended up practically within the city limits, which created noise pollution and limited opportunities for further expansion of runways and terminals. In connection with this, an ambitious project was initiated to build a new international airport outside the urban area, which will become the most significant modernisation in its history.

Interesting fact: today, Ahwaz Airport is one of the few major airports in Iran located so close to residential and central districts of the city. Despite its modest size, it consistently ranks among the busiest airports in the country for domestic transport, which highlights the economic significance of Ahwaz.

Services and Amenities

Ahwaz Airport (AWZ), one of the key transport hubs in southwest Iran, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Within the terminal, there are cafes where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, as well as several shops. In them, you will find local souvenirs, sweets, press, and goods that may be needed on the road.

For travellers preferring to wait in a calmer environment, VIP services and superior comfort lounges are available. To stay connected, passengers can use wireless internet (Wi-Fi), and for charging gadgets, sockets and special stands are provided in the waiting halls.

Located in the terminal building are currency exchange points and bank branches, which is particularly convenient for foreign tourists. In case of feeling unwell, a medical post operates, ready to provide first aid. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. For passengers with reduced mobility, an accessible environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped toilets, and an assistance service is provided (it is recommended to request this in advance through the airline).

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, however, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Ahwaz itself, which is easily reachable by taxi in a short time. Specialised business centres or conference halls are also absent in the airport; for these purposes, city hotels would be more suitable.

Dining

At Ahwaz Airport, passengers have access to basic options for a snack and rest before departure. Dining options here are more modest than in large international hubs, but quite sufficient to satisfy hunger or have a cup of coffee while waiting for a flight.

The main part of the catering establishments is concentrated in the main terminal. Several cafes and snack bars are located both in the general area before check-in (landside), accessible to all visitors, and in the sterile area after security control (airside), intended only for passengers. This allows for a snack for those seeing someone off as well as those already waiting to board their flight.

For a quick snack, local cafes are ideal, offering sandwiches, pastries, sweets, as well as hot and cold drinks. Here you can order traditional Iranian tea or coffee. If you are counting on a full meal, the choice will be limited. Sometimes a small establishment operates in the airport offering simple hot dishes, for example, kebab with rice, but for a more varied menu, it is better to have lunch in the city before arriving at the airport.

Regarding special dietary needs, several points are worth noting. Since the airport is located in Iran, practically all food offered is halal by default. Vegetarians will be able to find options for themselves such as meat-free pastries or simple cheese sandwiches. However, finding certified vegan or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them.

Prices in airport establishments are moderate, but, as a rule, slightly higher than in city cafes. The operating hours of most food outlets are tied to the flight schedule, so you will have the opportunity to have a snack even if you are flying early in the morning or late at night.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport of Ahwaz goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Planning is the key to a calm start to your trip, especially if you are flying from Iran for the first time.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international ones. This will give you enough time to calmly go through flight check-in and security control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Keep your passport and boarding pass close at hand.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Carefully study your airline's luggage carriage rules. Standard restrictions for hand luggage include a ban on carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects. All liquids must be packed in a transparent bag. When passing through customs control, be ready to present documents and answer questions about the purpose of your trip and the contents of your luggage. Declare valuable items and currency if required by the regulations.

Savings and Comfort: To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, and light snacks. The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to get up freely without disturbing your neighbours.

Transfers and Flight Delays: If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave enough time between flights. In case of a delay or cancellation of a flight, first contact your airline representative for current information. Find out about your rights regarding the provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the duration of the delay.

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored