Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

 

Imam Khomeini International Airport is designed with the IATA code IKA and ICAO code OIIE and is southwest of Tehran, the capital of Iran. This airport is the largest and most significant air gateway for international travel. It opened in 2004 to reduce traffic congestion at the Mehrabad Airport and enhance international flight capacity. It is constructed on an area of 13000 hectares and has progressive features.

 

This airport has well-equipped terminals, modern waiting rooms, and diverse services. It is the destination or origin of many international flights. Another feature of this airport is easy access via highways and public transportation, such as taxis and metro. In addition to its vital role in passenger transportation, Imam Khomeini Airport is a central hub for air cargo transportation in Iran for Iran Air and Mahan Air. It plays a key role in Iran’s air connections with other countries worldwide.

 

History of Imam Khomeini International 

 

American stylists started building the airport in 1979, before the Iranian Revolution. After the revolution, the project was abandoned and later relaunched with local experts in charge. The airport opened on May 8, 2004, but due to management changes, it started on October 28, 2007. This international airport is one of Iran’s main airports, located 30 kilometers southwest of Tehran, near the Robat Karim and the Eslamshahr cities. The runway and departure terminal of Imam Khomeini International are the first things most foreign tourists see when coming to Iran. It is worth mentioning that Imam Khomeini Airport is one of the first airports equipped with a flight control tower simulator in Iran.

 

This project was designed in 2014 by an Iranian knowledge-based group. Imam Khomeini Airport is extensive and involves enormous spaces, a vast runway, and high-capacity parking. With the operation of the first phase of Imam Khomeini Airport, the second phase is also under construction.

This airport aims to become one of the main air transport and economic hubs in the region and the world, playing a crucial role in facilitating air transport and related services.

 

With the development of Imam Khomeini Airport City, the center will become a platform for combined transport and logistics that will meet the growing needs of numerous economic sectors and play a key role in the growth of international transport. If travelers want to reach the airport by car, travelers can use the Tehran-Qom or Tehran-Saveh Highway. From Imam Khomeini International Airport, you can reach Imam Khomeini Holy Shrine in 30 minutes, Azadi Tower in 45 minutes, Golestan Palace and Milad Tower in 1 hour, and Tochal Ski Resort in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

 

Hotels near Imam Khomeini International

 

The 5-star Rexan Hotel (Formerly Novotel) and 4-star Remis Hotel (Former Ibis) are two side-by-side hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport, which started activity in 2016. The French hotel group has constructed these hotels on seven floors. Thus, if you have a long wait between flights in Tehran or prefer comfortable and contentedly accommodation within walking distance of the airport, you can book a room at one of these hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport.

 

These hotels are in one building connected to the airport terminal by a pedestrian bridge. The good news is that besides 24-hour accommodation, you can have a short stay at Remis Hotel for 6 and 10 hours and Rexon Hotel for 6 hours at an affordable price. If you need some time to relax during your travel, hotels provide this option to you and have a cozy stay enjoying excellent service before continuing your trip. These hotels offer various amenities, including a spa center, sauna, qualified restaurants, a Jacuzzi, and particular rooms for disabled guests. A free shuttle bus is available every 20 minutes to drive the travelers to the airport. For short-time rests, Reclining chairs are available at the airport.

 

Services and Facilities Available inside the Imam Khomeini Airport

 

Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport has many facilities, which we will examine below.

 

Visa: Airport arrival visas for tourists and administrative and commercial matters related to travelers are handled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa section located at the airport.

 

Banks and Currency Exchange: Multiple banks and exchange offices at Imam Khomeini International Airport offer various services. They are in both the arrival and departure halls for the passengers.

 

ATM: There are also several ATMs in the airport where you can withdraw cash.

 

Wi-Fi: Imam Khomeini Airport provides free Wi-Fi at the arrival and departure lounges. You need to provide a mobile phone number to receive a password via text message. Additionally, internet cafes are available for services such as printing, copying, scanning, and activating SIM cards. All are in the entrance hall.

 

Mobile Charging: Charging stations are available at the departures and arrivals parts.

 

Medical Services: The airport is a long distance from the medical center. So, Imam Khomeini Airport has a fully equipped emergency department that provides emergency medical services to passengers round-the-clock for emergencies. This department, with expert medical teams and emergency equipment, is ready to respond to the medical and emergency needs of passengers and airport staff. Emergency services and assistance include first aid, immediate treatment, and, if necessary, transportation to nearby hospitals. These services are intended to maintain the safety and health of passengers and serve passengers and airport visitors.

 

Baby Care Services: There is a baby care room for families with children.

 

Services for Elders: Imam Khomeini Airport has amenities, such as wheelchairs and special aids. Also, there are helpers for disabled and elderly people. Airport personnel will accompany these passengers at all stages, from check-in to boarding the plane, to ensure a good trip. These measures include assistance with luggage, guidance in waiting rooms, and facilitating passage through security procedures.

 

Duty-Free and Shopping: Imam Khomeini Airport features several shops offering various goods, such as clothing, souvenirs, electronics, and hygiene items. Some of these shops are open 24 hours a day, allowing travelers to access them at any moment.

 

Food and Drinks: Imam Khomeini Airport has numerous restaurants and coffee shops that service passengers hourly and provide a suitable environment for relaxing and eating. Despite hot meals, diverse hot and cold drinks are served at the airport.

 

Prayer Rooms: There are 17 prayer rooms available to all passengers in different parts.

 

Commercially Important Person (CIP)

 

The Commercial Important Person (CIP) has been operated since 2012 in a separate building from the main Terminal of Imam Khomeini Airport in a space of 7500 square meters for international flights on three floors. With a decade of experience providing Airport Services to specific customers and recognizing the concerns of travelers who travel a lot and busy travelers, CIP has supplied a wide range of complete and diverse services in an ideal environment full of respect and relaxation, and your valuable time will be saved.

 

CIP passengers do not experience the usual entry and exit procedures, such as waiting in long queues or for a flight card and luggage. Instead, they rest in the CIP Ceremonial Hall before or after their flight, regardless of the congestion of the main Airport Terminal. During their time there, they are welcomed with various Iranian and foreign dishes, cold and hot drinks, and a free buffet. The CIP team handles all processes, from carrying luggage to obtaining boarding passes and transferring passengers to the boarding bridge in private vehicles.

 

Other services are provided for the welfare of respected travelers, such as temporary accommodation in suites, obtaining an airport visa upon arrival in the country, Airport transfer, holding business meetings in the conference room, and buying from the booth by supplying premium products and luxury handcrafts of Iran in a quiet and carefree environment are other benefits of the CIP services.

 

CIP lounge services offer a lift for airplane entry and a wheelchair for elderly travelers or those with physical disabilities. Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran was established before Iran’s revolution and is a crucial communication hub for other countries. This airport provides diverse amenities and facilities for traveler’s comfort. Two old and historic hotels are near the airport, and exceptional travelers can utilize the services offered by CIP.