Ilam Airport

Ilam Airport is the aerial gateway to the heart of the Zagros mountain range, where rugged nature meets ancient history. This small but significant aviation hub serves as the ideal starting point for travelers wishing to explore the country's western borders and enjoy unique landscapes. From the very first minutes of arrival, guests are welcomed by a calm atmosphere and views of majestic mountain peaks, creating a special, inspiring mood for the journey ahead.

Despite its modest size, Ilam Airport boasts several features that make it convenient for tourists:

• Scenic Approach: Due to its location in a mountainous area, the flight into Ilam is often accompanied by breathtaking views of the Zagros ranges and oak forests, making the arrival here a memorable event.
• Maximum Proximity to the City: The airport is located just a few kilometres from the centre of Ilam. It is one of the few airports in the region from where you can reach your hotel in literally 10–15 minutes.
• New Terminal: Following a major reconstruction and the opening of a new terminal, the airport's capacity has significantly increased, and passenger comfort levels have approached modern standards.
• Hassle-Free Experience: The small passenger flow guarantees a quick passage through all formalities, from check-in to baggage claim, without exhausting queues or long waits.

To obtain current information regarding the operations of Ilam Airport (IIL), flight schedules, and services, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: ilam.airport.ir (information primarily in Persian).
• Information Desk Phone: +98 84 3223 6899. For calls within Iran, the short code 199 is also available.
• Airport Address: Iran, Ilam Province, Ilam City, Ilam Airport.
• Email: ilam.info@airport.ir
• Social Media: Official pages for the airport on popular social networks may be unavailable. The most reliable source of information is the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to finding lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's representative at the airport directly or call the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance, you may use the main airport information desk number.

Getting to Ilam Airport (IIL) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. A journey by car usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The main and most convenient method for tourists is a taxi, although there are other options for travelling to the main air hub of Ilam province.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most popular and recommended ways to reach the airport. You can use official city taxis or order a car via local ride-hailing apps, which are widely used in Iran. A taxi ride is not only quick but also relatively inexpensive. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the trip. For greater convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group, you can book a private transfer in advance.

Public Transport to the airport is poorly developed. Specialized shuttle buses or trains connecting the city centre to the airport are absent. Although city bus routes may pass through the airport area, this option is extremely inconvenient for tourists due to the lack of a clear schedule in English and the need to change buses with luggage. Therefore, to save time and energy, it is better to choose another mode of transport.

If you prefer independence in your movements, you can consider car rental. There are companies in the city providing such services. This option gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. Next to the airport terminal, there is a parking lot where you can leave a car for both short and long terms. However, it is worth remembering that the driving style in the region may be unfamiliar to foreign tourists.

For travellers looking for more flight options, it is worth considering alternative air hubs. The nearest ones are Kermanshah Airport (KSH) approximately 110 km away, Sanandaj Airport (SDG) 192 km away, and Dezful Airport (DEF) 226 km away. Additionally, in neighbouring Iraq, there are major international hubs: Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU), located 205 and 241 km away respectively. From any of these airports, Ilam can be reached via ground transport.

Ilam Airport (IIL) is a small regional airport characterised by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one passenger terminal that serves all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, navigating the airport poses no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. All necessary zones are located sequentially in one compact building: check-in counters, security screening, a small departure lounge, and the baggage claim area for arriving passengers. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are in close proximity to each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is absolutely no need for long walks or using shuttles between buildings.

Check-in and security procedures at Ilam Airport generally proceed quite quickly due to the moderate passenger flow. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure. This time is usually more than sufficient to check in luggage, obtain a boarding pass, and pass through security control without rushing. During rare peak moments, small queues are possible, but they are seldom lengthy.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the standard signs. Thanks to the compact size of the building, all key points — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are located intuitively and within a short distance of each other. It is practically impossible to get lost here, making the airport experience comfortable and predictable.

Ilam Airport, officially named after the Martyr Major General of Aviation Gholamreza Chaghravand, serves as the main aerial gateway to the eponymous province in western Iran. Its history is closely tied to the development of this mountainous region and the desire to improve its transport accessibility.

Although the exact founding date of the airport is rarely cited in public sources, its creation dates back to the second half of the 20th century. Initially, it was a small airfield intended to serve domestic flights and connect the remote province with the capital and other major cities of the country. Its strategic location near the border also played an important role in its history.

A key stage in the airport's development was a massive reconstruction completed in the 2010s. During the modernisation, the runway was significantly lengthened and strengthened, allowing it to accommodate larger and more modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A320. Simultaneously, a new passenger terminal covering several thousand square metres was built, which radically increased capacity and the level of comfort for travellers.

One of the most important achievements in the airport's recent history was the launch of international flights. In 2017, the first international flight was operated, transforming the airport from a purely domestic one into an air hub with international status. This event opened new opportunities for the region's residents, especially for making pilgrimage trips to neighbouring countries. Today, Ilam Airport continues to play a vital role in the economic and social development of the province.

Ilam Airport (IIL) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Despite its size, it provides passengers with all the necessary basic services for a comfortable wait before departure.

Inside the terminal, you will find several small cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee or tea and a snack before your flight. There are also small shops selling necessities, drinks, and local souvenirs. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a CIP/VIP lounge offering a quieter atmosphere may be available.

For those who need to stay connected, charging zones for electronic devices are provided in the airport. The availability of Wi-Fi should be checked on-site, as it may be limited. An ATM is typically installed in the terminal for financial matters. Currency exchange bureaus are usually absent in regional airports, so it is better to take care of exchanging money in advance.

The airport operates a medical post where first aid will be provided if necessary. A mother and child room may be available for passengers with children. The terminal is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and special restrooms, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking.

There are no specialised business centres or conference halls at the airport. There are also no hotels on the premises; however, travellers can easily find accommodation options in the city of Ilam itself, which is located in close proximity to the airport.

When planning a flight through Ilam Airport (IIL), it is important to consider that this is a small regional terminal. Accordingly, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed primarily for passengers waiting for their flight.

Typically, a small cafe or buffet operates in the main hall of the airport, accessible before passing security control. Here, travellers can purchase basic drinks and snacks. The assortment usually includes:

• Hot drinks: tea and coffee.
• Cold drinks: bottled water, juices, and soda.
• Quick snacks: sandwiches, pastries, biscuits, and packaged snacks (chips, nuts).

There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals at Ilam Airport, so for a substantial lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the city before travelling to the airport. regarding local cuisine, the cafe might sell only packaged local sweets or dates. All food offered at the airport within Iran is Halal by default. However, finding options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance will be extremely difficult, so if you have special dietary needs, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Establishments at the airport usually operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening a few hours before departure and closing after the last plane departs. Prices are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice for airports.

When planning a trip through the airport of Ilam, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to calmly go through all procedures, especially if you are travelling with luggage or during the peak season.

Registration and security control procedures at Ilam Airport are standard, but it is better to have printed copies of tickets and documents with you. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: window seats will offer you magnificent views of the mountain landscapes of Iran during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and a quick exit after landing.

Pay special attention to baggage regulations. Liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, and other standard restricted items are prohibited in hand luggage. It is important to remember that the import of alcoholic beverages, pork and pork products, as well as materials that may be considered inconsistent with local cultural norms, is strictly prohibited in Iran. These same rules apply at customs control. Declare all valuables to avoid misunderstandings.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport is small, so navigation will not be difficult. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time, as well as the possibility of receiving drinks or meals depending on the duration of the wait.

To save money, pack light snacks with you (checking airline rules) and bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security control. For the trip to the city, find out about local taxi services and agree on the cost of the trip in advance to avoid inflated prices.