Kerman Airport

Kerman International Airport (KER) is not just a transit point, but a true gateway to one of the most mysterious and ancient regions of Iran. Located on the edge of the famous Lut Desert, this airport is the first to welcome adventurers seeking to witness the otherworldly landscapes of the Kaluts and the grandeur of Persian architecture. The air hub combines Eastern hospitality with the status of an important regional hub connecting the southeast of the country with major cities and the outside world.

The airport is named after Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani and serves as a key base for Mahan Air, ensuring stable and frequent connections with the capital. The terminal complex is divided into two buildings: one serves domestic flights, which form the backbone of the schedule, and the second is designated for international destinations and pilgrimage programs.

Among the airport's main advantages are its compactness and intuitive navigation, allowing formalities to be completed in a matter of minutes. Travellers note its convenient location just a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre, accessible by official taxi. Inside the terminals, basic amenities are available: souvenir shops where you can buy famous Kerman sweets and handicrafts, as well as prayer rooms and ATMs of local banks.

Below you will find essential contact information for Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani Kerman International Airport (KER), which will help you plan your trip and navigate upon arrival.

• Official Website: kerman.airport.ir (the site may be available in Persian).
• Information Desk Phone: +98 34 32110031. For flight status information within Iran, the short number 199 is also active.
• Airport Address: Iran, Kerman Province, Kerman, Kerman-Zarand Hwy.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@kerman.airport.ir.
• Social Media: At the time of writing, active official accounts of the airport on popular international social networks were not found. We recommend verifying information on the official website.
• Lost and Found Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport. The carrier's baggage tracing staff will provide you with all necessary assistance.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions unrelated to specific airline operations, you can contact the main airport information desk phone.

Kerman Airport (KER) is located quite close to the city of Kerman, making the journey there quick and convenient. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 15–25 minutes, though time may vary depending on traffic. There are several ways to get to the terminal, suitable for different budgets and preferences.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and convenient option for tourists. You can use official airport taxis or book a car through local apps, such as Snapp. Although this is the most expensive method, the cost remains quite affordable by international standards. Expect the price to be several times higher than public transport, but this is compensated by speed and comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver turns on the taximeter.

Public Transport, represented by city buses, is the most budget-friendly way to get to the city. The fare is symbolic compared to a taxi, making it an excellent choice for economical travellers. However, this option may not be very convenient for tourists with heavy luggage, as the stop might be at some distance from the terminal. Routes and schedules are best checked on-site, as they are subject to change.

For those who value independence and plan to explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings, car rental is an excellent solution. Car rental desks are available both at the airport and in the city. This option involves costs for rental, fuel, and insurance but provides maximum freedom of movement. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season. Kerman Airport provides parking facilities where you can leave your car for a short or long term.

When planning a trip through the southeastern part of Iran, it is also worth considering airports in neighbouring cities. The largest of these are Yazd Airport (AZD) and Bandar Abbas International Airport (BND), which can serve as convenient starting points for a more extensive route across the country.

Kerman Airport (KER) is a compact and functional aviation hub characterized by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one main terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its small size, passengers do not have to spend much time moving through its territory, making the departure and arrival process as comfortable as possible.

The terminal is logically divided into two main zones: for Domestic and International flights. Typically, they are located in different parts or wings of the building, and finding the right zone is easy via signs that are duplicated in English. Arrival and departure zones are standardly separated on different levels or parts of the terminal to optimize passenger flows. All key services — check-in counters, passport control, and security checkpoints — are arranged in a logical sequence.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Kerman Airport usually takes less time than in major international hubs. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international ones — 2.5–3 hours. This time is generally sufficient for calm check-in, baggage drop, and passing security control without unnecessary haste.

Navigation through the airport is intuitive. Since there is only one terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible. The main advice is to determine immediately after entering the building which section you need — international or domestic — and follow the signs. Transitions between zones are done on foot inside the building; no shuttles or trains are required. Thanks to its simplicity, Kerman Airport leaves a pleasant impression and allows you to start or end your journey without stress.

The history of Kerman Airport (KER) is closely linked to the development of the eponymous province in Iran. The airport was founded in 1970, and its opening was an important step in improving transport accessibility for this historic and industrial region. Initially, it served primarily domestic flights, connecting the city of Kerman with the capital and other major cities of the country.

A key stage in the airport's history was its expansion and modernization in the 2000s. In 2009, a new international terminal was opened, allowing the airport to gain international status and begin operating flights outside Iran. This event significantly contributed to the growth of tourist flow and the development of business ties in the region. Modernization also included improvements to the runway and navigation equipment to accommodate larger aircraft.

Throughout its existence, Kerman Airport has not been marked by loud global records, but its main achievement is stable development and transformation from a small regional airfield into an important transport hub with international status. An interesting fact: the airport is located at an altitude of about 1,750 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest in the country and requiring special skill from pilots during takeoff and landing.

Kerman Airport (KER) offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight comfortable and pleasant. Here you will find services for both relaxation and practical tasks.

Before departure, you can have a snack at cafes offering local and international bites, or drink a cup of aromatic Iranian tea. Shops within the terminal sell souvenirs, sweets, press, and travel essentials. For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport has a VIP Lounge where you can relax in a quieter and more secluded atmosphere.

To stay connected, passengers can use the Wi-Fi available in the airport building. If your phone or laptop runs out of battery, charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting halls. For financial matters, bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs operate on-site.

Kerman Airport cares for all categories of travellers. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance and escort, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs. In case of illness, a medical centre operates around the clock on the airport territory.

Although there are no hotels directly at the airport, many accommodation options for every taste and budget can be found in Kerman itself and its surroundings. Basic business services may be provided for business travellers, but for serious negotiations or conferences, it is better to use the facilities of city hotels.

Kerman Airport (KER), being a regional air hub, offers passengers basic but quite sufficient dining options. Do not expect the same variety of restaurants here as in major international hubs, but you certainly won't go hungry. The main food outlets are located in the main terminal and are accessible to both departing and meeting passengers.

In the public area of the airport (before security control), there are several cafes and small snack bars. Their menus usually include sandwiches, fresh pastries, hot and cold drinks, including traditional Iranian tea and coffee. For a more substantial lunch, you can find an establishment offering simple but filling local dishes — most often kebabs with rice or simple stews. This is a good option if you have plenty of time before departure.

While at Kerman Airport, be sure to try local specialties that can be bought as a snack. The region is famous for its pistachios, and they are easy to find packaged. Also, pay attention to sweets with saffron. Regarding dietary restrictions, there are no specialized vegetarian or gluten-free cafes here. However, practically all food in Iran is Halal by default. Vegetarians can find simple options for themselves, such as rice, bread, cheese, or vegetable snacks.

The price range in airport establishments is quite moderate, especially compared to prices in major global airports. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are generally tied to the flight schedule, so they are open during the day but may close at night. For a quick snack, packaged nuts, dried fruits, or pastries are best, while for a full meal, it is worth visiting one of the small cafes in the main hall.

When planning a trip through the airport of Kerman city, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Despite the fact that this is not the largest air hub in Iran, advance preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one, if available in your schedule. This will give you enough time to calmly complete all formalities.

Check-in and security procedures at Kerman Airport are generally standard. To speed up the process, keep your passport, visa (if required), and ticket ready. Queues may form during peak hours or before popular flights, so an extra time buffer is helpful. Be polite and patient with security personnel.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will give you breathtaking views of desert landscapes upon departure or arrival, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Regarding hand luggage, international rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Special attention: the import and export of certain items is strictly regulated; for example, importing alcohol into the country is completely prohibited. Always check current rules with your airline.

Kerman Airport mainly serves domestic flights, so long international layovers are rare here. If you have a connecting flight, follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs. Clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. At customs control, be prepared to declare large amounts of currency and valuables. Special permits may be required when exporting antiques or expensive carpets.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an option. Prices for food and drinks at airports are usually higher, so you can have a snack beforehand. For trips to or from the city, consider local transport options, which may be cheaper than a taxi.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Monitor updates on information boards. It is useful to carry a portable charger for gadgets, a book, or downloaded movies, as the waiting area in a regional airport may offer limited entertainment.