Mahan Air
A privately owned Iranian full-service airline operating domestic and international services from Tehran, with a network spanning Iran, the Middle East and parts of Asia.
About Mahan Air
Mahan Air is a privately owned Iranian scheduled airline founded in 1991, with operations beginning the following year. Its name comes from the city of Mahan in Kerman Province. The carrier uses the IATA code W5 and ICAO code IRM and has developed into one of Iran’s principal airlines, serving both domestic passengers and international markets.
Tehran is the centre of Mahan Air’s network. International flights generally use Imam Khomeini International Airport, while domestic operations may use Mehrabad International Airport. The airline connects the capital with major Iranian cities such as Mashhad, Shiraz, Kerman and Kish, alongside services to selected destinations in the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia and East Asia. Routes and frequencies can change because of operating restrictions and market conditions.
Mahan Air has historically operated a varied, predominantly Airbus long-haul fleet, including aircraft from the Airbus A300, A310, A330 and A340 families, together with smaller types used on regional or domestic services. Fleet deployment varies by route and operational availability. Economy Class is offered throughout the network, while Business Class is available on many international flights and selected aircraft, with the exact seating and onboard product depending on the type assigned.
The airline is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect the alliance-wide connections, lounge access or reciprocal status benefits offered by those groups. Its own loyalty programme is Mahan & Miles, through which eligible travellers can earn and redeem miles on Mahan Air services. Membership benefits and redemption rules should be checked directly with the airline before booking.
Mahan Air’s broad domestic coverage and nonstop links from Tehran can make it useful for journeys within Iran or between Iran and regional markets. However, international sanctions and associated restrictions can affect ticket distribution, payment options, fleet support, schedules and overseas operations. Travellers should verify the current timetable, entry requirements and available payment methods, and allow extra flexibility when arranging separate connections or time-sensitive itineraries.
Good to know
Flying with Mahan Air — what to expect
Two Tehran Airports
International services generally use Imam Khomeini International Airport, while many domestic flights operate through Mehrabad. Check the airport code carefully before arranging transfers in Tehran.
Fleet Variations
Cabin layouts, seat features and entertainment can differ considerably between aircraft types. Review the scheduled aircraft when booking, while remembering that operational substitutions remain possible.
Check Baggage Terms
Allowances depend on the route, fare and cabin, and international and domestic rules may differ. Confirm both checked and cabin baggage limits on your ticket before travelling.
Payment Restrictions
International sanctions can limit foreign card acceptance and some online payment options. Confirm how payment, refunds and additional purchases will be handled before committing to a booking.
Allow Connection Time
Schedules and operating arrangements can change, particularly on international routes. Leave a generous buffer for separate tickets because another airline may not protect a missed onward connection.
Business Class Differences
Business Class is available on many international services, but the seat and onboard experience vary by aircraft. Do not assume every flight provides a modern lie-flat product.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Mahan Air
Notable destinations on Mahan Air's network.
W5TehrandirectW5MashhaddirectW5ShirazdirectW5KermandirectW5KishdirectW5IstanbuldirectW5DubaidirectW5BaghdaddirectW5LahoredirectW5DelhidirectW5BeijingdirectW5GuangzhoudirectDestination list is indicative of Mahan Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Mahan Air
TripAdvisor · 2019–2023- 522
- 415
- 37
- 23
- 13
What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
great experience
great experience with the business class. i've experienced a turkish airlines business class flight for 6million tomans more and this one was surely better. comfy seats, brilliant legroom, great value for money and very good service. i recommend this airline… See more to all of you.
See lessPosted January 2023 by behradsafari2001
On time , good service and cheap
The check in was efficient. Boarding the same but we had to take a bus to get to the airplane which turned out to be a 747-400. Amazingly large airplane when you boarding using stairs. Cabin crew were warm , welcoming and good looking. The flight took off… See more right on time. I was seating in the very first row of lower cabin ! Feels strange knowing the cockpit is in top floor. A very nice hot breakfast was served , free of charge. The inflight entertainment was lacking as they only had a few public screens. Over all a great 4 hours flight.
See lessPosted December 2022 by Hossein H, Barcelona
On time, great service and cheap flight
I am a gold member of this airline so was able to check in at the business class counter which was fast and efficient. The lounge was quite, with style and well stocked. Boarding was fast although we had to take a bus to the airplane. Upon arriving to the… See more airplane I saw to my astonishment that it was a 747-400 !!! I got the very front row seat on the lower cabin. Cabin crews were very nice and good looking. The airplane and was room were extremely clean. The huge airplane started and took off on time which looking at all those passengers it seemed impossible task to me ! Hot Breakfast was served after take off and by the way it was free of charge. As for inflight entertainment they just had a public screen. This was the only draw back on this 4 hour flight. Over all a very nice experience.
See lessPosted December 2022 by Hossein H, Barcelona
A really nice experience
It's a short one hour domestic flight. I am a Gold plus member in Mahan's loyalty program so I got to use the domestic lounge before departure from Tehran which was nice. The A310 used on this flight was old but you couldn't tell since the cabin, seats ,… See more toilet were all refurbished and felt new and clean. Very professional cabin crews and one hostess help me put my carry on bag overhead which was nice. For a one hour domestic flight they served a nice cold snack which can be considered light dinner to all passengers. For free ! The lady Captain made the flight smooth and landed so gentle at Kerman. Over all a exceptional experience.
See lessPosted October 2022 by Hossein H, Barcelona
Amazing staff and food
Amazing costumer service and delicious food!!! I deffo recommend Mahan Air. I couldn’t not be happier
Posted March 2021 by Munajjj
Best Iranian Airline
The best in Iran, yet has a long way to go, they need to buy new airplanes or at least clean the ones they already have!
Posted March 2020 by Amir Okhovat, Arak
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
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FAQ
Mahan 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
- The principal departure airports are Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for international services and Tehran Mehrabad International Airport for domestic operations. Mashhad and Kerman are also notable stations within its Iranian network.
- Fares are often lower outside major Iranian holidays and peak summer travel periods, particularly when booked in advance. Compare nearby dates and verify the ticket’s change and refund conditions before purchasing.
- Mahan Air is based in Tehran. International services primarily operate from Imam Khomeini International Airport, while Mehrabad International Airport is important for domestic flights.
- Mahan Air does not maintain a reliably fixed destination total because its network changes with seasonal demand and operating restrictions. Consult the airline’s current timetable for the cities being served on your travel dates.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. The booking provider sets the final price and ticket conditions.
- Mahan Air’s services between Tehran and East Asia are generally among its longest operations. The exact longest route can change with the active timetable, so travellers should check the airline’s current schedule rather than rely on a fixed route ranking.
- Cabin baggage rules vary by cabin, route and ticket conditions. Check the allowance printed on your booking or confirm it with Mahan Air before departure, as oversized or overweight bags may need to be checked.
- Mahan Air serves destinations across Iran and selected international cities in the Middle East and Asia. Its schedule has included major points such as Mashhad, Shiraz, Istanbul, Dubai, Baghdad, Delhi and cities in China, although routes can change.