If you’re planning to visit Iran, knowing about its airlines can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Iran has various airlines, each with its own features and services. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, it’s helpful to understand what different airlines offer so you can choose the best option for your journey.
Each type of Iranian airlines has a distinct purpose, from passenger flights to cargo transport, and some might even focus on special air services. Over the years, many airlines have come and gone, with some still active and others having ceased operations or been suspended.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get an overview of the major airlines currently operating in Iran, providing you with all the details you need for a well-informed choice.
Iran Air (Homa)
Iran Air, often known as Homa, is one of the most prominent and long-standing airlines in Iran. It was established in 1946 under the name Iranian Airways and later merged with Persian Airways in 1961 to form what we now know as Iran Air. This airline has a fleet of 43 aircraft, serving both domestic and international routes.
Iran Air’s domestic flights cover numerous cities across Iran, while its international routes extend to many major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. When it comes to services, Iran Air offers two main classes: Economy and Homa Class. Economy class is the more budget-friendly option, providing essential services at lower costs. Homa Class, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious experience with premium seating and enhanced amenities, such as superior in-flight meals and additional comforts.
Iran Air is recognized for its high safety standards and reasonable ticket prices, making it a reliable choice for travelers.
Iran Air Tour
Iran Air Tour is a subsidiary of Iran Air that specializes in tourism and pilgrimage flights. It was established with the goal of enhancing tourism both within Iran and to international destinations. The airline is well-regarded for its variety of sightseeing and pilgrimage tours, and it has earned a reputation for excellent service.
Iran Air Tour’s aircraft fly to numerous cities in Iran and several international locations. One of the major conveniences offered by this airline is the ability to book tickets online and check in before arriving at the airport, which can make the travel process much smoother and less stressful.
Qeshm Air
Qeshm Air is a popular Iranian airline that began operations in 2012. It’s known for its focus on safety and service quality. The airline offers both economy and business class options, catering to a wide range of travelers. In business class, passengers can enjoy hot meals on long-haul flights, while economy class passengers have the option to choose from a selection of food and drinks on both domestic and international flights.
Qeshm Air is praised for its reasonable prices, new aircraft fleet, and skilled flight crew. If you’re looking for a cost-effective yet comfortable flight experience, Qeshm Air is a great choice.
Mahan Air
Founded in 1992, Mahan Air is one of Iran’s top private airlines. It has earned a reputation for high quality and safety in its operations. Mahan Air offers both business and economy class options, with a variety of services including diverse food menus catering to different dietary needs. The airline is notable for its standard training center, which is recognized by the Civil Aviation Organization and international aviation authorities. Mahan Air’s commitment to safety, excellent service, and modern amenities make it a top choice for many travelers.
Kish Air
Kish Air was established in 1991 with the primary aim of connecting Kish Island with other parts of Iran and neighboring countries. This airline operates both domestic and international flights and is distinguished by its modern fleet and high-quality service. Kish Air is the first Iranian airline to receive the IOSA safety certification, which is a significant achievement. The airline offers both economy and business class options, and it is known for its focus on tourism development, especially for Kish Island.
Whether you’re traveling within Iran or connecting from an international flight, our A Comprehensive Guide to Iran’s Domestic Flights will help you navigate Iran’s domestic flight network, offering information on major routes, airlines, and tips for booking.
Iranian Naft Air (Karun)
Naft Air, established in 2000, initially started as a company specializing in special air services before transitioning to a passenger airline. Most of its flights are focused on domestic routes and intercity travel within Iran. Although it may not be as well-known as some other airlines, Naft Air serves an essential role in connecting various parts of the country and providing reliable travel options for passengers.
Asman Air
Asman Air, founded in 1980, is one of Iran’s older airlines. It is well-regarded for its punctuality and dependable service. The airline operates a range of domestic and regional flights, with an emphasis on maintaining a high level of safety and efficiency. Asman Air’s experienced flight crew and regular operations make it a popular choice for travelers who value reliability and the ability to reach smaller cities across Iran.
Taban Air
Taban Air started its operations in 2006 and has quickly established itself as a major player in the Iranian aviation sector. With flights to over 50 destinations across 20 countries, Taban Air provides both domestic and international travel options. The airline operates solely with economy class, focusing on providing punctual and dependable service. Its main hubs are in Mashhad and Tehran, and it’s known for maintaining a strong record of timely flights and reliable service.
Taftan Air
Taftan Air operates with a relatively small fleet of five aircraft and handles both domestic and international flights. Domestic flights operate from Terminal 4 at Mehrabad Airport, while international flights depart from Imam Khomeini Airport. Taftan Air focuses exclusively on economy class, and online check-in is not currently available. Despite its limited fleet, Taftan Air offers a good option for travelers looking for basic, reliable service.
Flying from Istanbul, Dubai, or Muscat to Tehran? Our Flights from Regional Hubs (Istanbul, Dubai, and Muscat) to Tehran article details the flight options, duration, and tips for travelers coming from these popular regional hubs to Iran’s capital.
Inactive Iranian Airlines
Some Iranian airlines have ceased operations or are only partially active. These include Zagros Air, Arya Air, Tehran Air, Safiran Air, Eram Air, Yas Air, and several others. These airlines may have once provided various services but are no longer operational or have shifted their focus to other areas like cargo transport.
Newly Established Airlines
Iran’s aviation sector has seen new entries in recent years, adding more options for travelers:
Varesh Airlines
Varesh Airlines, founded in 2017, is the first airline from Mazandaran province. It prioritizes flight safety and quality and mainly operates domestic flights with limited international services. The airline offers only economy class, making it a budget-friendly choice for passengers looking to travel within Iran.
Sepehran Airlines
Established in 2016, Sepehran Airlines has rapidly expanded its network, offering flights to over 20 airports within Iran and abroad. It focuses on economy class, providing a comfortable and affordable option for travelers. Despite being relatively new, Sepehran Airlines has quickly gained recognition for its service and comfort.
Pouya Airlines
Poya Airlines, which began operations in 2012, serves more than 55 destinations, including cargo services. However, it currently does not offer international flight bookings. Poya Airlines is known for its cargo flights and is expanding its presence in the aviation market.
Pars Airlines
Pars Airlines, founded in 2015, is known for its dedication to quality service. The airline employs both domestic and international experts to ensure a high standard of passenger service. The experience of traveling with Pars Airlines is aimed at being enjoyable and comfortable, with a focus on efficient and safe flights.
Fly Persia Airlines
Fly Persia, established in 2017, is one of the more expensive airlines in Iran regarding ticket cancellation fees. Based in Shiraz, it offers various services but comes with higher cancellation charges. Despite this, Fly Persia provides high-quality service for its passengers.
Asajet Airlines
Asajat Airlines, founded in 2017, aims to stabilize ticket prices and support regional tourism. Operating from Chabahar Airport, it offers a straightforward booking process and focuses on maintaining constant fares to support tourism in the area.
Ava Airlines
One of the newest additions to Iran’s aviation sector, Ava Airlines was established in 2023. It is rapidly growing and striving to make a mark in the industry with a commitment to progress and customer satisfaction.
To ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip, it’s important to understand the cancellation policies for flights in Iran. For more detailed information on this topic, be sure to check out our article on Iranian Airlines’ Cancellation Policies: Key Rules and Penalties (Updated 2024).
Online Check-in for Iranian Airlines
Online check-in for flights with Iranian airlines has become a convenient option for travelers, allowing you to save time and avoid long queues at the airport. Airlines like Mahan Air and Sepehran Airlines offer online check-in services for both domestic and international flights. You can check in 24 hours before your flight and receive your boarding pass electronically, which speeds up the process. However, if you have luggage to check in, you will still need to visit the check-in desk at the airport to drop off your bags. For international flights, online check-in closes 3 hours before departure, while for domestic flights, it closes 90 minutes before takeoff.
Many major airports in Iran, such as Tehran’s Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini International Airports, as well as those in Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz, offer the online check-in feature. However, it’s important to note that some smaller regional airports may not yet have this option. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s always a good idea to confirm with your airline or the airport if online check-in is available for your specific flight. For group travelers, airlines like Mahan Air allow you to check in all passengers together using their booking and flight numbers, making it even easier to manage your journey.
If you purchased your ticket through Visit Our Iran, feel free to contact us for any support or assistance with your flight check-in. We are here to help ensure your travel experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Comparing and Ranking Iranian Airlines
When comparing Iranian airlines, Iran Air and Mahan Air stand out for their long history and reliability. However, newer airlines may offer better fleets and innovative services. Depending on your preferences – whether it’s cost, comfort, or convenience – there’s an airline that fits your needs. Exploring these options will help you make the best choice for your travel in and around Iran. Looking for budget-friendly flight options to Iran?
Don’t forget to check out our Top Tips for Finding the Cheapest Iran Flights: A Complete Guide, which provides practical tips and strategies to help you find the cheapest flights, whether you’re traveling from a nearby country or farther away.
Best Iranian Airlines
These airlines offer better service, larger route networks, and international options. If you’re looking for more comfort or reliability, this comparison can help you choose the right one:
| Airline | Flight Type | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran Air (Homa) | Domestic & International | Oldest airline in Iran, wide route network, national flag carrier | Traveling across Iran and international destinations |
| Aseman Airlines | Mostly Domestic, some International | Good coverage of small and remote cities | Local trips to less touristy or remote places |
| Kish Air | Domestic & International | Focus on tourist areas, flights to Kish Island | Leisure travel and holidays to islands |
| Mahan Air | Domestic & International | Private airline, more comfort on international routes | Comfortable flights to nearby countries |
| Qeshm Air | Domestic & International | Balanced network, covers major cities | General domestic or regional flights |
| Zagros Airlines | Domestic & International | Mix of charter and regular flights, flexible ticket types | Travelers needing more flight options |
| ATA Airlines | Domestic & International | Based in Tabriz, connects northwest Iran to nearby countries | Trips starting or ending in the northwest |
| Meraj Airlines | Domestic & International | On-time performance, cleaner planes, better organization | Business travel and punctual schedules |
Budget Airlines in Iran
If you’re planning to travel around Iran and want to save money, flying with a budget airline can be a smart choice. Many Iranian airlines offer affordable domestic and regional flights, especially if you book economy class or charter tickets. Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose the best low-cost airline based on your travel plans:
| Airline | Flight Type | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varesh | Domestic, Charter, Economy | Very cheap, new aircraft | Budget travel within Iran |
| Zagros | Domestic & Intl, System + Charter | Flexible options, more cities | Travelers needing more route options |
| Caspian | Domestic, Mostly Charter | Very low prices, long history | Budget-focused flyers |
| ATA | Domestic & Intl | Last-minute ticket deals, good coverage | Spontaneous travelers |
| Fly Persia | Domestic, Charter | Competitive prices, new fleet | Cheap flights from southern cities |
Planning your trip to Iran? Our Guide to Iran Flights + Prices covers everything from flight options to price ranges, helping you choose the best deals and routes available for your journey. And if you’re not sure whether to book a direct or connecting flight to Iran? Read our Direct vs. Connecting Flights to Iran: Which One Should You Choose? article to understand the pros and cons of each option and make the best choice for your travel preferences, time, and budget.
Flight Booking Service with Visit Our Iran
At Visit Our Iran, we make it easy for you to book your flights with our real-time online booking service. Whether you’re flying domestically within Iran or planning to travel internationally, our platform allows you to book flights quickly and securely.
We offer:
- Real-time availability: Check and book your flights instantly, with up-to-date options.
- International transactions: You can make payments from anywhere in the world with ease, using your preferred payment method.
- Convenient booking process: No hassle, just a few simple steps to secure your seat on the plane.
- Wide range of flights: Choose from various airlines, including both budget and premium options, to find the best flights for your trip.
With Visit Our Iran, you can book your next flight confidently, knowing you’re getting a reliable and secure service at competitive prices. For any inquiries or assistance with your booking, feel free to contact us, email us at [email protected], or reach out via our 24/7 live chat on the website.
