Imam Khomeini International Airport

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).

• Official Website: You will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website: ikac.ir
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +98 21 5100 111.
• Airport Address: Tehran - Qom Hwy, Tehran, Iran.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website to reach the relevant departments.
• Social Media: Links to the airport's official social media accounts are typically located on the main page of its website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you do not find your luggage upon arrival, first contact the Lost and Found counter in the arrivals area or your airline's representative office. Airport Lost and Found phone: +98 21 5100 7483.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information service phone number.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) is located approximately 30-40 kilometres southwest of the centre of Tehran. You can get there in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport: Metro
The most economical way to get to the airport is the Tehran Metro. You will need Line 1 (Red), from which a special branch runs directly to the Imam Khomeini Airport terminal. You need to transfer to this branch at the Shahed – Bagher Shahr station. The metro ride from the city centre will take approximately 70-90 minutes. This is a great option to avoid the famous Tehran traffic jams, however, it is worth noting that the metro does not operate 24/7 and may not be the most convenient solution if you have a lot of luggage.

Taxi and Transfer
A more comfortable and faster method is taking a taxi. Official taxis can be ordered at special counters in the city or by using ride-hailing apps popular in Iran. A car journey from the city centre to the airport will take from 45 to 60 minutes, but this time can increase significantly during peak hours. The cost will be substantially higher than the metro, but this is justified by the convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or heavy suitcases. It is recommended to use only official taxi services.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to travel around the country by car, you can rent a vehicle from one of the rental agencies in the city and return it at the airport. For those travelling to the airport in their own or rented vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided within the airport complex. Keep in mind that driving in Tehran can be stressful due to heavy traffic and a specific driving style.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran is the main international hub of Iran and consists of several terminals serving different passenger flows. Understanding their structure will help you orient yourself easily upon arrival or before departure.

The main one is Terminal 1, which receives and dispatches the majority of international flights. Its layout is quite classic: the arrivals area is located on the ground floor, and the departures area is on the first floor. Navigation is intuitive, and signs are duplicated in English. The departures hall houses check-in counters, passport control and security checkpoints, as well as Duty Free shops and waiting areas.

The second terminal, Salam Terminal, was opened later and features a more modern design. Initially, it was intended for pilgrimage flights, but now it also serves some international and charter destinations. It is important to check with your airline in advance which specific terminal your flight operates from, as they are located at some distance from each other. Special shuttles run between the terminals for transfer.

Check-in and control procedures at the airport can take a significant amount of time, especially during peak hours. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight departure. Queues for passport control, both for entry and exit, can be long. To avoid rushing, prepare all necessary documents in advance and follow the signs to the correct counters or boarding gates.

The history of Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) began long before its official opening. The idea of building a new main airport for Tehran, which would meet modern requirements and could handle growing international traffic, arose back in the 1970s. However, due to historical events in Iran, the project's implementation was delayed for many years.

Construction resumed in the 1990s, and the first phase of the airport was officially opened in May 2004. This moment became a turning point for the country's civil aviation: IKA began to gradually take over all international flights previously served by the old Mehrabad Airport. The transition period took several years, during which the airport increased its capacity and refined operational processes to become Iran's main international hub.

Terminal 1 became the core of the airport for many years. Its infrastructure was designed to serve millions of passengers and became the base for national airlines, such as Iran Air and Mahan Air, for operating international flights. Over time, as passenger traffic grew, modernization works were carried out on systems and passenger service quality improvements.

A significant step in development was the recent reconstruction and expansion. In 2019, the new "Salam" Terminal (Terminal 2) was put into operation. Initially designed to serve pilgrimage flights, its opening significantly relieved the main terminal and increased the airport's overall throughput capacity. Future plans include further large-scale expansion, including the construction of a third terminal, "Iranshahr", which is set to turn IKA into one of the largest aviation hubs in the region.

Among interesting facts from the airport's history, it is worth noting that it was originally conceived as part of an "aerotropolis" concept—an entire city around the airport with hotels, business parks, and logistics centres. Although the project is being implemented in stages, it highlights the strategic vision of IKA not just as a transport facility, but as an important economic centre.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) offers passengers a wide range of services to make their stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. Within the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying local and European cuisine. For those wishing to shop, stores are open, including Duty Free, featuring an assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, Iranian sweets, and souvenirs.

For passengers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter atmosphere, CIP Lounges (Commercial Important Person) are available. Access is possible for business class passengers or for a separate fee. In the lounges, guests are offered snacks, drinks, access to fresh press, and comfortable areas for rest or work. The airport also provides comprehensive VIP services, which include personal escort and expedited passage through all pre-flight procedures.

Staying connected is easy: Wi-Fi is available in the airport building, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in waiting areas. For financial matters, bank branches, ATMs, and 24-hour currency exchange offices operate within the terminal, which is especially convenient for arriving tourists.

The airport pays great attention to the comfort and safety of all categories of passengers. A medical centre operates around the clock, where emergency assistance can be obtained. Special mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary support, including wheelchairs and escort throughout the terminal. It is recommended to inform your airline in advance about the need for such services.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at the Novotel and Ibis hotels, which are located in immediate proximity to the terminal and connected to it by a pedestrian walkway. They offer modern rooms and a high level of service. For business travellers, these hotels have conference rooms and business centres, allowing you to organize a meeting or work in silence.

At Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), travellers will find diverse dining options, allowing for both a quick snack before departure and a leisurely full meal. Catering establishments are located both in the public area (landside) and in the departure zone after passport control (airside), offering dishes for every taste and budget.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal. In the arrivals area and the public part of the departures hall, you can find several cosy coffee shops serving good coffee, tea, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. This is an excellent option if you are seeing off or meeting loved ones. After passing security control, the choice becomes wider: food courts with fast food outlets and restaurants offering a more substantial menu are located here.

For those who want to experience Persian cuisine, the airport provides a wonderful opportunity. Be sure to try traditional Iranian dishes such as kebab (especially "Jujeh Kabab" made from chicken or "Kabab Koobideh" from minced meat), aromatic rice dishes (polow), and various types of stews (khoresh). This will allow you to immerse yourself in the country's gastronomic culture right before departure. Of course, more familiar international dishes—pizza, burgers, and pasta—are also available.

Since Iran is an Islamic republic, all food at the airport is Halal by default. Vegetarians will also easily find suitable dishes: many restaurant menus feature vegetable salads, lentil soup (adasi), and dishes based on rice and vegetables. Gluten-free options may be more difficult to find, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain moderate. Many establishments operate 24/7, which is especially convenient for passengers on night flights.

Our Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: grab an espresso and a croissant at one of the cafes in the departure zone.
• For a full lunch: find a restaurant serving Iranian cuisine and order a kebab with rice garnished with saffron and barberries—this is the perfect conclusion to your trip.

Planning a trip through Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran will be easier if you take a few key points into account. Here are some tips to help you orient yourself and make your journey more comfortable.

Airport Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to go through all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours when the airport can be busy.

Check-in and Security Control: Be prepared for several stages of checks. Keep your passport, visa, and ticket handy. Procedures may take longer than you are used to, so remain calm and follow the staff's instructions. Online check-in, if available with your airline, can save time at the counters.

Seat Selection on the Plane: Standard advice works best here. A window seat will offer you views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat gives more legroom and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If sleep is important, choose seats in the front part of the cabin, away from lavatories and the galley.

Hand Luggage: Remember the strict rules for entry into Iran. It is categorically forbidden to bring alcohol in any form, pork products, as well as materials that may be considered offensive from the perspective of local cultural and religious norms. Standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml in a container) also apply.

Passengers with Connections: If you have a long layover and plan to go into the city, check the visa requirements for citizens of your country in advance. There are shops, cafes, and rest areas in the airport's transit zone. Check for the availability of lounges where you can rest with greater comfort.

Customs Control: Upon entering Iran, you may be required to declare large sums of foreign currency and expensive electronics (for example, professional cameras, laptops). To avoid misunderstandings, it is better to familiarize yourself with current customs regulations on official resources in advance.

Saving Time and Money: Exchange only a small amount at the airport for initial expenses (for example, for a taxi). The exchange rate in the city is generally more favourable. Use official airport taxi services or a pre-booked transfer to avoid inflated prices.

In Case of Flight Delay: Immediately contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and your rights (provision of drinks, meals, or a hotel depending on the length of the delay). Having travel insurance will help compensate for unforeseen expenses.