Nowshahr Airport

Nowshahr Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the "Green Paradise" of Iran. Located just a few steps from the Caspian Sea coast, it welcomes travellers with a fresh sea breeze and views of the majestic forests of Mazandaran Province. This compact air terminal allows you to instantly switch from the rhythm of the metropolis to a relaxed holiday, bypassing long journeys along mountain serpentines.

Airport Features and Highlights:

• Scenic Approach. Thanks to its unique location between the Alborz Mountains and the Caspian Sea, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views even before landing.
• Maximum Accessibility. The airport is located practically within the city limits, allowing you to reach the centre or nearby hotels in literally 5–10 minutes.
• Rich History. This is one of the oldest airports in the north of the country, built in the mid-20th century and serving for a long time as the main gateway for the summer residence of the ruling elite of that era.
• Compact and Cosy. The small size of the terminal guarantees the absence of long queues and the fastest possible completion of all pre-flight formalities.

• Official Website: Current information and flight schedules can be found on the official portal of Iran Airports, on the page dedicated to Nowshahr: nowshahr.airport.ir. Please note that the main version of the site may be in Persian.
• Information Desk Phone: The main contact number for inquiries is: +98 (11) 5232 4000. It is recommended to check the validity of the number before calling.
• Airport Address: Iran, Mazandaran Province, Nowshahr, Emam Reza Blvd.
• Email: A specialized email address for passengers is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the information desk phone.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on popular social networks. All official information is published on the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. For items left in the terminal, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve issues related to your stay at the airport and for consultations, please use the information desk phone.

Getting to Nowshahr Airport, located in the immediate vicinity of the city of the same name on the Caspian Sea coast, is quite simple. Although it is a small regional airport, travellers have several transport options to catch their flight on time.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and popular way to get to the airport from the centre of Nowshahr is by taxi. The trip takes only 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can use official taxi services or book a car through local ride-hailing apps popular in Iran. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. This option is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport

There are no direct bus or rail routes to the airport terminal. However, budget travellers can use local shared taxis (savari) that run along the city's main roads. You may have to walk a short distance from the nearest stop to the airport building. This method is significantly cheaper but may be less comfortable, especially with suitcases.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to explore the picturesque Caspian coast on your own, car rental will be an excellent solution. Some rental companies can deliver the car directly to the airport upon prior request. For those arriving in their own vehicle, parking is available on the airport territory, where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. Spaces are usually available.

Recommendations and Alternatives

For most tourists, a taxi is the optimal choice in terms of price and comfort. If you are travelling from Tehran, besides a direct flight to Nowshahr, you can consider flights to neighbouring airports, such as Dasht-e Naz Airport in Sari or Rasht Airport, and from there reach Nowshahr by car or bus, enjoying the coastal views.

Nowshahr Airport (NSH) is a small and convenient regional airport characterized by a simple and clear structure. You won't have to worry about complex navigation and long walks, making the start and end of your journey as comfortable as possible.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all flights. Its primary purpose is to facilitate domestic travel. The compact dimensions of the terminal are its main advantage: everything is close at hand. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, so you won't need to spend time moving between structures. The terminal layout is intuitive: check-in counters, the security zone, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim belt are within walking distance of each other.

Due to the low passenger traffic, passing through check-in and security screening usually takes little time. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation remains in force: it is better to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be enough to check in luggage without rushing, receive a boarding pass, and go through all necessary procedures. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs — it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The history of Nowshahr Airport (NSH) began in 1953. Initially, it was a modest airstrip intended for servicing small aircraft. In the early years of its existence, the airfield played a supporting role, meeting transport needs and facilitating private flights in this picturesque region on the Caspian Sea coast.

A significant stage in the airport's development was the construction of the main asphalt runway in 1962, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft. In 1983, the first passenger terminal was erected, transforming the airfield into a fully-fledged civil airport capable of serving a growing flow of passengers.

In 1992, the airport received international status, which became an important milestone in its history and opened new opportunities for tourism development in Mazandaran Province. Today, Nowshahr Airport is a key transport hub in the north of Iran. It is regularly modernized to meet modern safety and comfort standards and continues to play an important role in the transport accessibility of one of the country's most popular resort regions.

Nowshahr Airport (NSH) is a small regional air terminal serving primarily domestic flights within Iran. The airport infrastructure offers a basic set of services necessary for comfortable waiting before a flight.

For passengers, there is a small cafe or buffet where you can order hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and sandwiches. Also, a small shop may be located within the terminal, offering souvenirs, press, and travel essentials.

The airport has a general waiting hall for all passengers. Information regarding the availability of a separate CIP/VIP lounge and conditions for its use is recommended to be checked with your airline, as this service may be limited in small airports.

Possibilities for connecting to Wi-Fi at Nowshahr Airport may be limited or unavailable. The same applies to charging stations for electronic devices — their number is small, so it is better to carry a portable power bank.

Banking services, such as full-service bank branches or currency exchange points, are generally not present at the airport. It is recommended to settle financial matters in the city beforehand. For emergencies, a medical point should be available in the terminal to provide first aid.

For passengers with children, a mother and child room may be provided, but there are no specialized play areas. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance during boarding and disembarking. For this, it is necessary to notify the air carrier of your needs in advance.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself. The nearest hotels and apartments are located in the city of Nowshahr, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized business centres or conference halls are absent on the terminal premises.

Nowshahr Airport (NSH) is a small regional airport, so the choice of catering establishments here is quite modest and designed for the basic needs of passengers. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants or a food court as seen in major international hubs. Nevertheless, you can grab a bite while waiting for your flight.

Typically, in the main hall of the airport, accessible to both departing and meeting passengers, there is a small cafe or snack bar. Here, travellers can purchase drinks — tea, coffee, bottled water, juices, as well as light snacks. The assortment usually includes packaged biscuits, crisps, chocolate, and possibly simple pastries or sandwiches.

This place is ideal for a quick snack, but not for a full lunch or dinner. If you are counting on a substantial meal, it is better to eat beforehand, prior to arriving at the airport. Specialized menus, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, are likely absent, so passengers with special dietary needs are recommended to carry their own snacks. All food offered at the airport is Halal by default.

The cafe's operating hours depend directly on the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first flight and closes after the departure of the last one. Prices for food and drinks are usually moderate but, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in the city.

Travelling through Nowshahr Airport can be simple and convenient if you prepare in advance. Here are some useful tips that will make your trip more comfortable and help avoid unforeseen situations.

Arrival Time Recommendations. Nowshahr Airport is not a major international hub, so there are usually fewer queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to calmly go through all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. Check-in and screening procedures at airports in Iran are standard but can be thorough. Be prepared to present your passport and ticket several times. In some cases, there may be separate queues for men and women at the security screening stage — this is common practice. To speed up the process, prepare all documents in advance and remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer you magnificent views of the Caspian Sea coast during take-off or landing. An aisle seat will provide more legroom and allow you to stand up easily without disturbing neighbours.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard international restrictions on liquids (no more than 100 ml per container) and sharp objects apply here. However, pay special attention to prohibitions specific to Iran: the transport of any alcoholic beverages, pork, and materials that may be considered indecent or politically incorrect is strictly forbidden. Violation of these rules can lead to serious consequences.

Recommendations for Transfer Passengers. Nowshahr is mainly an airport for domestic flights. If you have a transfer to another domestic flight, ensure you have enough time between flights (minimum 2 hours). Check with the airline if you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs Control. When entering or leaving the country, be prepared for thorough customs inspection. Be sure to declare large amounts of foreign currency, expensive electronics (laptops, professional cameras), and jewellery. The export of antiques and handmade carpets may require special permission, so keep all receipts and certificates.

Saving Time and Money.

• Time: Complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Keep documents close at hand.
• Money: Exchanging currency at the airport is less favourable than in city exchange offices. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so it is better to have a snack beforehand.

What to do in case of flight delay? In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses so that you can request compensation later.