Essential Guide to Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)
Essential Guide to Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA)
Picture yourself stepping into Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), Iran’s premier aviation hub, where modern infrastructure meets global connectivity. Located southwest of Tehran, this five-star airport serves as the gateway for millions of international travelers, offering advanced facilities, diverse transport options, and a seamless travel experience.
Designed to rival the world’s best, IKA is a symbol of Iran’s aviation prowess. This detailed guide, crafted for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers, explores the airport’s history, terminals, access routes, amenities, and more, ensuring you navigate IKA with ease, as endorsed by Lonely Planet.
Contents
Location and Contact Information
Imam Khomeini International Airport sits 30 kilometers southwest of Tehran, along the Tehran-Qom Freeway, within the Imam Khomeini Airport City complex. Its strategic location ensures efficient access to the capital and beyond.
Address: Tehran-Qom Freeway, Km 30, Imam Khomeini Airport City, Tehran, Iran
Contact Numbers:
- Main Switchboard: 021-5100111, 021-5100114, 021-5100118
- Flight Information: 096330
- Parking Services: 021-51007199
These lines provide real-time updates on flights, parking, and other services, ensuring travelers stay informed.
History of Imam Khomeini International Airport
The vision for IKA began in 1967 when the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) proposed a modern intercontinental airport for Iran. By 1972, the project, initially named Aryamehr International Airport, was approved.
Construction started in 1977 with a team of Iranian and American engineers but halted after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Revived in 1995 with French and Iranian collaboration, the airport’s first phase, Terminal 1, opened in May 2004. By 2005, all international flights from Tehran shifted to IKA, cementing its role as Iran’s primary global gateway.
Access to Imam Khomeini International Airport
Reaching IKA is straightforward, with multiple transport options catering to different budgets and schedules. Below are the primary methods, each with distinct advantages.
Airport Taxis
Taxis offer the fastest and most convenient way to reach IKA, operating 24/7 from Tehran and nearby cities. Available at city terminals or bookable online/phone, they provide door-to-door service, ideal for travelers with heavy luggage or tight schedules.
While costlier than other options, the comfort and speed justify the price. International tourists appreciate the reliability, especially for late-night or early-morning flights.
Tehran Airport Transfers
Metro Access
The Tehran Metro Line 1 connects IKA via the Shahed-Bagher Shahr station to the Imam Khomeini Airport City station. This budget-friendly option suits travelers with light luggage and flexible schedules. However, metro hours (5:30 AM–10:30 PM) may not align with late-night flights, and carrying large bags can be cumbersome. Iranian travelers often choose this for its affordability.
Airport Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses operate from key Tehran terminals like Beihaghi (Argentina) and South Terminal, offering an economical alternative. These buses are ideal for budget-conscious travelers with minimal luggage but take longer than taxis and have limited schedules. They’re less suitable for heavy luggage or time-sensitive trips. Locals favor this option for cost savings.
Tips for Choosing Access:
- Taxis for speed and comfort, especially with heavy luggage or late flights.
- Metro for budget travelers with light bags and daytime flights.
- Buses for cost-conscious travelers with flexible schedules.
Terminals at Imam Khomeini International Airport
IKA features three terminals, two operational (Terminal 1 and Salam) and one under construction (Iranshahr). Each serves distinct purposes, enhancing the airport’s capacity and services.
Terminal 1
Opened in 2004, Terminal 1, designed by French architect Paul Andreu, draws inspiration from Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun, with its mirrored surfaces and columns. Covering 84,000 square meters, it handles 6 million passengers and 120,000 tons of cargo annually, primarily for international flights. Located in the northern aviation zone, it uses the northern runway and features 7 passenger boarding bridges.
Facilities:
- Check-in counters, baggage claim, customs, and security
- Duty-free shops for tax-free shopping
- VIP/CIP lounges for premium travelers
- Restaurants and cafés with diverse menus
- Banking, currency exchange, prayer rooms, and free Wi-Fi
- Fast-track and lounge services
- Ongoing projects: new mosque, Parking Lot 3, and Spine Road entrance
Salam Terminal (Terminal 2)
Launched in 2019, the Salam Terminal spans 65,000 square meters and serves 5 million passengers annually. Initially designed for Hajj flights, it now handles both domestic and international routes. Located northwest, its artistic interior, dubbed a “terminal-gallery,” showcases Iranian art. The three-story CIP lounge (7,000 sqm) is among Iran’s most advanced.
Facilities:
- Check-in, security, and customs services
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants and cafés
- VIP/CIP lounges with luxury amenities
- Prayer rooms, banking, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi
- Taxi and bus services
Iranshahr Terminal (Terminal 3)
Under construction in the southern aviation zone, Iranshahr Terminal will be IKA’s largest, with a capacity of 20 million passengers annually. Connected to both runways via taxiways, it will handle all international flights upon completion, allowing Terminal 1 to focus on domestic routes. This expansion will elevate IKA’s global standing.
Key Airport Sections and Services
IKA’s infrastructure supports a seamless travel experience through specialized sections catering to various needs.
CIP Lounge
The three-story CIP Lounge, spanning 7,000 square meters, offers luxury for premium travelers. Features include private rest areas, free refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi, and exclusive shops. Ideal for business travelers or those seeking comfort, it’s a standout facility praised by international guests.
Best Affordable Hotels in Tehran
The best affordable hotels in Tehran with competitive prices and prime locations, offering comfortable stays suitable for visitors seeking a budget-friendly experience near major landmarks.
Eskan Forsat Hotel
Roudaki Hotel
Marlik Hotel
Passport Section
The Passport Section handles visa-on-arrival services for tourists and manages administrative tasks via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Staffed by experts, it streamlines entry/exit processes, ensuring efficiency for foreign visitors.
Customs Section
The Customs Section oversees the import/export of goods, currency, pets, and birds. Travelers can access guidance on regulations, ensuring compliance. This section is critical for international passengers with specific cargo needs.
Post Office
The Post Office facilitates domestic and international shipments, transferring items to a central hub for expedited delivery. It’s a convenient service for sending documents or souvenirs, valued by tourists.
Medical and Emergency Services
IKA’s Medical Center provides first aid, hospital transfers, and emergency care. A quarantine unit monitors infectious diseases, ensuring passenger safety. This robust system reassures travelers, especially during health crises.
Other Services
- Baggage Wrapping for secure luggage
- Lost and Found for misplaced items
- Information Desks for flight and service inquiries
Additional Facilities at Imam Khomeini Airport
IKA offers a range of amenities to enhance the passenger experience, rivaling global airports.
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Passengers receive access codes during check-in, enabling connectivity for work or leisure. This service is a hit with international travelers needing to stay online.
Banking and Currency Exchange
Multiple bank branches and currency exchange counters operate in arrival/departure halls, offering financial services. ATMs provide easy cash access, essential for foreign visitors exchanging currency.
Restaurants and Cafés
IKA boasts diverse restaurants and cafés, serving Persian, international, and fast food, alongside snacks, pastries, and beverages. Travelers are advised to avoid heavy meals before flights to prevent discomfort, a tip appreciated by frequent flyers.
Airport Hotels
Two hotels cater to transit passengers:
- Roxan Hotel (5-star): Luxurious rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and toiletries.
- Remis Hotel (4-star): Comfortable accommodations with similar amenities.
Both, managed by Accor Group since 2016, offer 3, 5, or 10-hour stays, perfect for layovers. International guests praise their convenience and quality.
Other Amenities
- Extensive parking (13,000+ vehicles)
- Shuttle services for terminal transfers
- Retail shops for souvenirs, electronics, and essentials
- Prayer rooms and rest areas for relaxation
Parking at Imam Khomeini Airport
IKA’s five parking areas, with a total capacity of 13,000 vehicles, cater to short- and long-term needs.
Parking Lot 1 (Multi-Story)
Located beneath Terminal 1, this covered lot holds 1,500 vehicles. Ideal for short stays, it offers direct access via elevators and ramps, favored by time-sensitive travelers.
Parking Lot 2 (Open-Air)
With 840 spaces near the airport’s police station, this lot is primarily for impounded vehicles but opens to the public during peak times. Shuttle buses aid access due to its distance from terminals.
Parking Lots 3 and 4 (Open-Air)
Opposite Terminal 1 and near airport hotels, these lots accommodate 10,000 vehicles, perfect for mid- to long-term parking. Shuttles and a connecting bridge ensure easy terminal access.
Parking Lot 5 (Open-Air)
Holding 1,200 vehicles near the cargo terminal and customs, this lot serves cargo-related visitors but is available during high demand. It’s less convenient for passenger terminals.
Features:
- High capacity and 24/7 security
- Accessible via shuttles, elevators, and pathways
- Covered and open-air options for flexibility
Airlines Operating at Imam Khomeini Airport
IKA hosts over 40 airlines, connecting Iran to global destinations. Below are key operators and their routes.
Domestic Airlines
- Caspian Airlines: Dubai, Isparta, Najaf, Baghdad, Batumi, Istanbul, Izmir, Tbilisi
- Mahan Air: Almaty, Ankara, Bangkok, Barcelona, Baku, Beijing, Beirut, Damascus, Delhi, Dubai, Erbil, Istanbul, Najaf, Kabul, Kuala Lumpur, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Shanghai, Yerevan
- Iran Air: Amsterdam, Baghdad, Beirut, Cologne, Copenhagen, Damascus, Dubai, Frankfurt, Gothenburg, Hamburg, Istanbul, Karachi
- Qeshm Air: Baghdad, Brussels, Dubai, Istanbul, Izmir, Najaf
- Zagros Airlines: Baghdad, Izmir, Najaf, Tbilisi, Istanbul
- Kish Air: Baku, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Najaf, Tbilisi, Yerevan
- Aseman Airlines: Dubai, Istanbul, Najaf, Yerevan
- Ata Airlines: Baku, Denizli, Tbilisi, Istanbul, Najaf
- Iran Airtour: Istanbul
International Airlines
- Air Arabia: Sharjah
- AirAsia X: Kuala Lumpur
- Azerbaijan Airlines: Baku
- Emirates: Dubai
- Air France: Paris
- Aeroflot: Moscow
- Alitalia: Rome
- Al-Naser Airlines: Baghdad
- Armenia Airlines: Yerevan
- Atlas Global: Istanbul
- Austrian Airlines: Vienna
- British Airways: London
- Bulgaria Air: Varna
This diverse lineup ensures connectivity to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, making IKA a vital global hub.
Conclusion
Imam Khomeini International Airport is more than a transit point; it’s a testament to Iran’s aviation ambition. With cutting-edge terminals, robust transport links, and comprehensive amenities, it caters to millions annually, fostering tourism and trade. As Iranshahr Terminal nears completion, IKA is poised to elevate Iran’s global aviation stature.
