Chah-Bahar Airport

Chabahar Konarak Airport is more than just a regional transport hub; it is a true aerial gateway to the "oceanic heart" of Iran, offering access to the stunning landscapes of the Gulf of Oman coast. Located in the city of Konarak, it serves as the starting point for travellers eager to see the famous Martian Mountains and the unique pink Lake Lipar. Despite its compact size, this airport plays a key strategic role, connecting an important trade and industrial zone with the country's major metropolises and offering guests a first glimpse of the rugged yet captivating beauty of the southeast.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The airport possesses several characteristics that make it an important facility for regional tourism and business. Firstly, its strategic importance: it is the only quick way to reach the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone from Tehran and other distant cities, saving travellers days of travel by land.

Secondly, the airport is distinguished by a high level of security. As a dual-purpose facility (civil and military), it is under enhanced protection, ensuring peace of mind for passengers. Despite strict controls, procedures here are organized quite efficiently, without the excessive bustle typical of capital city hubs.

A third advantage is the convenient logistics for tourists. Although the terminal is distant from Chabahar itself, the road to the city passes through picturesque desert landscapes, turning the transfer into a small excursion. Furthermore, the compactness of the single terminal eliminates the risk of getting lost and allows for completing all arrival formalities as quickly as possible.

• Official Website: Currently, Chabahar (Konarak) Airport does not have a separate official website for passengers. It is recommended to verify all information regarding flight schedules, baggage rules, and services directly with the airlines.
• Information Desk Phone: The main contact number that can be used to reach the airport is: +98 54 3532 1700. Please note that information may change, and for the most accurate data, it is best to contact your airline.
• Airport Address: Chabahar Konarak Airport, Konarak, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran.
• Email and Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on social media or a public email address.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to baggage, you must immediately approach the Lost and Found counter of your airline in the arrivals hall. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for passengers' luggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to booking, ticket changes, special on-board services, or flight check-in, please contact your airline's support service directly.

Chabahar Airport (IATA: ZBR) is located between the city of Konarak and the major port city of Chabahar, which it primarily serves. The distance to Chabahar is approximately 50 kilometres, so it is important to plan your route in advance. Travel time from the centre of Chabahar to the airport usually takes from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most convenient and popular ways to get to the airport. You can find a taxi in the city or book a transfer through your hotel. It is highly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. The estimated cost varies but typically amounts to the equivalent of 10–20 USD, depending on negotiation and the time of day. This option, while more expensive, ensures maximum comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport in this region of Iran is represented mainly by intercity buses and shared taxis (savaris) running between Konarak and Chabahar. There may not be a direct regular service to the airport, so be prepared for possible transfers. This option is the most budget-friendly — the cost will be significantly lower than a taxi and is unlikely to exceed the equivalent of a few dollars. However, it requires more time, patience, and possibly basic knowledge of the local language, making it a choice for experienced travellers.

Car Rental offers maximum freedom of movement, allowing you to explore not only the cities but also the scenic surroundings of the coast. Rental agencies can be found in Chabahar. Although the daily rental cost will be higher than a single taxi ride, this option can be advantageous for those planning to travel extensively around the region. The airport has parking where you can leave a car for both short and long periods. Ensure you have all necessary documents for driving in Iran and be prepared for the specifics of local traffic.

Chabahar Airport (ZBR), also known as Konarak Airport, is a small and compact aviation hub serving the city of Chabahar and the surrounding areas in Iran. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals — all zones are located in a single building. The terminal layout is extremely simple: it is divided into a departure zone and an arrival zone. Immediately after entering the building, passengers find themselves in a general hall where the check-in counters are located.

The Departure Zone includes several check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone consists of a baggage claim hall with one or two carousels and customs control for international flights. The exit from the arrival zone leads into the same general hall where one can find taxis or meet arriving passengers.

Completing all pre-flight formalities typically does not take much time. Check-in and security screening average between 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international flight to avoid rushing.

To navigate the airport, simply follow the signs, which are present at all key points despite the terminal's compactness. All main services — check-in counters, security screening, boarding gates, and baggage claim — are within a few minutes' walk of each other, making the experience at Chabahar Airport simple and convenient.

The history of Chabahar Konarak Airport (ZBR) is closely tied to its strategic location in the southeast of Iran and its unique status. Originally, this facility was established as a military airbase, known as the 10th Tactical Air Base of Konarak. This military foundation defined the initial infrastructure and capabilities of the airfield, which played an important role in the country's defence system.

A key stage in the airport's development was its transformation into a dual-purpose facility — both military and civil. This transition was dictated by the economic growth of the region, particularly the creation and development of the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone. With the increase in business activity and cargo flows, an acute need arose for regular passenger and cargo air services, which led to the opening of a civil terminal to handle flights.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet both military and civil requirements. Although specific dates of major reconstructions are rarely publicized, it is known that the infrastructure, including the runway and terminal complexes, has been adapted to accommodate larger aircraft and service a growing passenger flow. This has allowed the airport to become an important transport hub connecting the Sistan and Baluchestan province with other regions of the country.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its name: it bears the names of two neighbouring cities — Chabahar and Konarak, emphasizing its regional significance. Today, Chabahar Konarak Airport is not just a transport facility, but a vital element of Iran's economic strategy, providing an aerial gateway for one of the most promising ports on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

Despite its compact size, Chabahar Airport (ZBR) offers passengers a set of essential services to make waiting for a flight comfortable. In the terminal, you will find everything necessary for a short stay before departure or after arriving in Iran.

The airport operates several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee, tea, or a snack featuring local cuisine. Small shops are also open, selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and handicraft products, allowing for last-minute gift shopping.

General waiting lounges are equipped for passenger relaxation. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, you can use the services of the VIP lounge. Wi-Fi access at the airport may be limited, so it is better to use mobile data for a stable connection. Special stations and power outlets are provided in the terminal for charging electronic devices.

Financial services are available in the terminal building: there are currency exchange points and ATMs for withdrawing cash. In case of illness or injury, passengers can visit the 24-hour medical point, where first aid will be provided.

For travellers with small children, a Mother and Child Room is equipped, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance when moving through the terminal, as well as during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft. For this, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance.

There are no hotels within the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options can be found in the city of Konarak, near which the airport is located, or in Chabahar itself. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are absent in the terminal, so it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels for business meetings.

Chabahar Airport (ZBR), serving the cities of Konarak and Chabahar, is a small regional airport, so dining options here are quite modest and designed primarily for a quick snack before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants here as found in major international hubs.

Typically, a small cafe or buffet operates in the main hall of the airport, accessible before security control (landside). Here, passengers can purchase basic snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and sweets. Beverages usually include tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks. This is a convenient option to pass the time while waiting for a flight, but not for a full lunch or dinner.

Regarding special offers, considering the location in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, you can sometimes find local sweets or snacks in the assortment. However, this is not guaranteed. All food offered at the airport will be Halal by default, which is the standard for Iran. Finding specialized vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes will be extremely difficult. Opening hours are usually tied to flight schedules, and establishments may be closed during quiet periods.

Recommendations for Travellers:

• For a quick snack, the local cafe in the waiting hall is quite suitable.
• For a full meal, it is highly recommended to eat at one of the restaurants in the city of Chabahar or Konarak before travelling to the airport. There you can enjoy local cuisine, especially the fresh seafood for which this region is famous.

To ensure your journey through Chabahar Airport in Konarak goes smoothly, use these tips. The airport handles both domestic and some international flights, and preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time in case of potential queues. Check-in and security procedures may be more thorough than in major international hubs, so remain calm and have your passport, visa (if required), and ticket ready.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Standard rules for carrying liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) and the absence of sharp objects apply here as well. Pay special attention to the rules of Iran: bringing any alcohol into the country is strictly prohibited; this applies to both hand luggage and checked baggage. There may also be restrictions on the import of certain printed materials. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will offer you views of the Gulf of Oman coast during takeoff or landing.

Customs Control and Transit: Upon entering the country, be prepared to declare large sums of currency and expensive electronics (laptops, professional cameras). Customs regulations can be strict, so it is better to familiarize yourself in advance with the current list of items allowed and prohibited for import/export. If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline beforehand whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations: To save time, complete online check-in if possible. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline's counter for information on further actions. It is useful to have a portable charger for gadgets and a small amount of local currency (Iranian Rial) for minor expenses, as international bank cards are not accepted in the country.