Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
ICAO: OIIE
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Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) Arrivals & Departures — check real-time flight status, delays, gate changes, and baggage claim information for all domestic and international flights at IKA.
Overview
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA: IKA, ICAO: OIIE) is the primary international airport serving Tehran, the capital of Iran. Located about 30 km southwest of Tehran city centre in Robat Karim County, IKA is the home base of Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), and several other Iranian carriers, and the main gateway for international travellers visiting Iran.
Named after Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the airport opened in April 2005 and replaced Mehrabad Airport (THB) as Tehran’s main international hub. It covers 13,400 hectares (33,000 acres) and has two terminals and two parallel runways, each about 4,200 metres long. The passenger terminal building has a floor area of 78,357 square metres and is a three-level structure with a basement, departure and arrival halls at ground level, and a mezzanine arrivals floor.
IKA connects over 40 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, served by more than 25 airlines. Popular routes include Dubai (DXB), Istanbul (IST), Doha (DOH), Baghdad (BGW), Najaf (NJF), and Frankfurt (FRA). The airport is the main hub for Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), and Iran Aseman Airlines (EP). All international flights into Tehran are served by IKA, while all domestic flights use Mehrabad Airport (THB).
In 2024, Imam Khomeini International Airport handled approximately 8.3 million passengers. The airport is a key part of Iran’s aviation infrastructure, serving as the main entry point for international visitors and a significant cargo hub for the region.
Popular Destinations from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
International routes include Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Rome (FCO), London (LHR), Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Bangkok (BKK), and Kuala Lumpur (KUL). The airport connects over 40 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, operated by more than 25 airlines including Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), Iran Aseman Airlines (EP), Qatar Airways (QR), Emirates (EK), Turkish Airlines (TK), China Southern (CZ), and Air China (CA).
Terminals
Imam Khomeini International Airport operates two passenger terminals — Terminal 1 (the original terminal) and Terminal 2 (Salam Terminal) — plus a dedicated Hajj Terminal and a Cargo Terminal.
Terminal 1 is the original terminal building, opened in 2005. It handles most international flights, including those operated by Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), Qatar Airways (QR), Emirates (EK), Turkish Airlines (TK), and other international carriers. The terminal has a floor area of 78,357 square metres and is a three-level structure with a basement, departure and arrival halls at ground level, and a mezzanine arrivals floor. It features multiple check-in counters, immigration halls, duty-free shops, and dining options.
Terminal 2 (Salam Terminal) opened in 2019 and was the first smart airport terminal in Iran. It covers an area of 54,000 square metres and has 16,000 free car parking spaces. The terminal is primarily used during peak seasons, including Hajj and Umrah operations, and for special events such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage. It features modern self-service check-in kiosks, automated baggage handling, and expanded retail areas.
The airport also operates a dedicated Cargo Terminal, which handles approximately 120,000 tonnes of cargo per year. The terminal is equipped with cold storage, live animal quarantine, and plant quarantine facilities.
The minimum connection time at IKA is 60 minutes for most transfers. All terminals are connected by free shuttle buses running every 15–20 minutes. Passengers should allow at least 30–45 minutes for transfers between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
| Terminal | Purpose | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Main international terminal | Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), Qatar Airways (QR), Emirates (EK), Turkish Airlines (TK), China Southern (CZ), Air China (CA) |
| Terminal 2 (Salam Terminal) | Peak seasons, Hajj & Umrah operations, special events | Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), seasonal Hajj and Umrah flights |
| Hajj Terminal | Hajj & Umrah pilgrims | Iran Air (IR), Mahan Air (W5), Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) seasonal |
Transportation
Imam Khomeini International Airport is connected to Tehran city centre and the surrounding region through several transport options. The airport is located about 30 km southwest of Tehran on the Tehran-Qom Freeway.
Tehran Metro (Line 1 Extension)
The Tehran Metro Line 1 (Red Line) extension to IKA opened in 2018. The metro station is located near the airport, and a free shuttle bus connects the terminal to the station. Trains run every 10–15 minutes from early morning to late evening. The journey to central Tehran takes about 60–75 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately IRR 100,000–150,000 (approximately $2–3). The metro is the cheapest option, but requires a shuttle transfer to reach the terminal.
Taxi
Official taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals hall (Doors A and B on the ground floor). A flat-rate fare to any part of Tehran is approximately IRR 750,000–1,000,000 (approximately $15–20). The journey takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Fares should be agreed upon before departure, and only official airport taxis should be used.
Ride-hailing
Snapp and Tap30 operate at IKA. Pick-up zones are located outside the terminal. Prices are usually 20–30% cheaper than regular taxis, but can be higher during peak hours. The journey to central Tehran takes 60–90 minutes.
Public Bus
Public buses operated by Tehran Bus Company connect the airport to Azadi Square and other key locations in Tehran. Buses run hourly from early morning to late evening. Fares start from IRR 50,000 (approximately $1). The journey to the city centre takes about 80–120 minutes depending on traffic.
Private Transfer
Book a driver in advance for a stress-free arrival. Prices start from $25 for a sedan, including meet & greet in the arrivals hall. Popular with families, business travellers, and tourists.
Car Rental
Major local and international car rental companies operate at IKA, including Europcar, Budget, and several Iranian agencies. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 1.
Car Rental at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Compare live rates from Europcar, Budget, and trusted local suppliers. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 1. Free cancellation on most bookings.
🚗 Search available cars →Hotels Near Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Choose from 20+ hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport — from budget options like the IKA Airport Hotel (located on-site) to premium brands like the Remis Hotel and Parsian Azadi Hotel (about 45–60 minutes away in Tehran). Several hotels offer day rooms for passengers with long layovers. Free airport shuttle available at most properties.
🏨 See nearby hotels →Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) Map & Layout
Interactive map showing terminals, parking, taxi stands, ride-hailing pickup zones, and nearby landmarks.
Airport Information & Contacts
Robat Karim, Tehran Province, Iran