Iran Air
Iran’s state-owned flag carrier, operating scheduled domestic and international services from Tehran with a network spanning the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
About Iran Air
Iran Air is Iran’s national flag carrier and one of the country’s principal scheduled airlines. Its origins date to 1944, when Iranian Airways was established; the modern Iran Air identity emerged in 1961 following a merger with Persian Air Services. The airline is state owned and uses the Persian griffin known as the Homa as its long-standing emblem. Its IATA code is IR, while its ICAO designator is IRA.
Tehran is Iran Air’s primary operating centre, with flights using Imam Khomeini International Airport for most international services and Mehrabad International Airport for domestic operations. The network covers 51 destinations across 23 countries through 174 routes. Esfahan, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz are its other busiest departure cities. Services connect major Iranian cities with destinations elsewhere in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, including Kuwait City, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.
Aircraft types associated with Iran Air’s operations include Airbus A300-600, earlier A300 variants, Airbus A310 and A310-300 aircraft, Airbus A320s, Boeing 727-200s, Boeing 747SPs and Fokker 100s. This reflects a historically varied fleet used across domestic, regional and longer international routes. Cabin products depend on the aircraft and route, but travellers can generally expect economy seating, with a premium or business-class cabin offered on selected international services and aircraft.
Iran Air is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect the broad reciprocal benefits available through a global airline alliance. Its own loyalty programme is SkyGift, through which eligible passengers can earn rewards for travel with the airline. Programme benefits, earning rules and redemption availability should be checked directly before booking because participation and services may vary by route, fare and market.
A key strength is Iran Air’s reach within Iran, particularly for travellers combining international arrivals with journeys to major provincial cities. Its Tehran operation also provides access to a broad regional network. The principal challenge is inconsistency: the age and configuration of aircraft can vary considerably, while sanctions and operational constraints may affect schedules, fleet availability, payment methods and customer-service options. Travellers should reconfirm flights and entry or transit requirements close to departure.
Good to know
Flying with Iran Air — what to expect
Two Tehran Airports
International flights generally use Imam Khomeini International Airport, while many domestic services operate from Mehrabad. Check the airport code carefully, especially when connecting between international and domestic flights.
Variable Aircraft
Iran Air operates or has operated several older Airbus, Boeing and Fokker types, so cabin layout and comfort can differ significantly by route. Review the aircraft shown during booking, but allow for operational substitutions.
Reconfirm Your Flight
Schedules can change because of operational and regulatory constraints. Recheck the departure time, terminal and flight status directly with Iran Air before travelling to the airport.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage allowances depend on the route, cabin and fare conditions. Confirm both cabin and checked-baggage limits on the ticket because international and domestic rules may differ.
Payment Restrictions
International payment cards may not work reliably in Iran. Travellers should verify which payment methods are accepted for tickets, changes and airport charges before departure.
Connection Planning
Allow substantial time when transferring between Tehran’s Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports because they are separate facilities. An airport change requires a road transfer and may also involve immigration and baggage collection.
Network overview
Where Iran Air flies
Iran Air operates 174 routes to 51 destinations across 23 countries, its longest sector reaching Tehran to Kuala Lumpur (6,334 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Iran Air flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Tehran → Kuala Lumpur
6,334 km · IKA → KUL
The longest sector in the Iran Air network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Iran Air
Notable destinations on Iran Air's network.
IRTehrandirectIREsfahandirectIRShirazdirectIRBandar AbbasdirectIRAhvazdirectIRKuwait CitydirectIRMashhaddirectIRTabrizdirectIRDubaidirectIRZahedandirectIRChah-BahardirectIRKermandirectDestination list is indicative of Iran Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Iran
Other airlines based in Iran
FAQ
Iran Air — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Iran Air’s longest route is Tehran to Kuala Lumpur, covering about 6,334 km nonstop.
- Iran Air serves 51 destinations across 23 countries, operating 174 routes.
- Iran Air serves domestic destinations including Mashhad, Shiraz, Esfahan, Tabriz and Bandar Abbas, alongside international cities such as Dubai, Kuwait City and Kuala Lumpur. Its network spans Iran, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
- Tehran is Iran Air’s primary hub city. Most international services use Imam Khomeini International Airport, while many domestic flights operate from Mehrabad International Airport.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices shown.
- Fares are often lower outside major Iranian holidays and peak summer travel periods. Comparing flexible dates and booking earlier for popular international or domestic routes can improve the chance of finding a lower price.
- Carry-on limits can vary by route, aircraft, cabin and fare. Check the allowance printed on your booking or confirm it directly with Iran Air before departure, particularly for smaller aircraft where cabin-storage space may be limited.
- Iran Air’s busiest departure points are in Tehran, followed by Esfahan, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz. In Tehran, passengers should check whether their flight leaves from Imam Khomeini International Airport or Mehrabad International Airport.