AIRPORTS NAVIGATION GUIDE | Flight Schedules, Services, & Transportation

Airports are gateways to destinations and connections between nations and cultures. For many travelers, the airport is the first step in discovering a new city or country. Familiarity with airport services and facilities can greatly enhance the quality of your journey. For a pleasant airport experience, read this AIRPORT NAVIGATION GUIDE.

What is an IATA Airport Code?

When booking a flight ticket, you’ve probably noticed that by choosing the origin and destination, you’re selecting the departure and arrival airports, including the official airport name and its IATA code. The official name may differ from what is commonly used in everyday conversations. For example, “Mashhad Airport” is officially called “Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport.”

The airport code is a set of three English letters known as the IATA code given by the International Air Transport Association. This code is assigned by the IATA and is used worldwide to identify airports. It plays a key role in flight route planning and air traffic management.

If your destination city has more than one international airport, all available airports will be listed during the ticket booking panel, along with their official names and IATA codes. However, you don’t need to memorize or store these codes.

Flight Status – Airport Display Board

If you have a flight or are expecting a specific arrival, checking the real-time flight status is your first step at the airport. To view today’s arrivals and departures status, you can check the flight information display system known as the “Airport Display Board” located in every corner of the airport. Alternatively, visit the airport’s official website (easily found via a quick internet search) and go to the flight information page to see the latest status of domestic and international flights.

Key info provided includes:

Today’s flight schedule (on airport displays or the website)
On the flight information board, both in the airport terminal and on the airport website, you can see the latest status of arriving (domestic/international) and departing (domestic/international) flights.

Track the Current Status of Your Flight

Information typically shown includes:

Scheduled date and time
Airline name and logo
Flight number
Origin (for arrivals)
Destination (for departures)
Gate number
Flight status (on-time, delayed, boarding, etc.)

Best Ways to Get to the Airport on Time

What is the most reliable way to get to the airport on time? One of the most important things to do before your flight is to find out the best way to get to the airport on time. If you’re flying during peak traffic hours, plan to use faster transportation methods like subways. Some airports offer shuttle services from various city locations, which are often the most economical and convenient options. Many airports are also connected to metros or subways. Ride-hailing apps (like Uber or similar local services) are also affordable choices.

Knowing your transportation options can save you both time and money.

How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

The time you need to arrive at the airport depends on whether your flight is domestic or international. A rule is that an optimal arrival time at the airport is at least one and a half hours in advance of domestic flights and at least three hours in advance of international ones. For International flights, especially for destinations in Europe, the U.S., or countries with strict passport and security controls, it’s important to arrive at the airport at least three to four hours before.

During peak travel times, such as Nowruz holidays, summer, or weekends, it’s recommended to arrive earlier due to long check-in and passport control lines.

If you’ve checked in online or registered any extra baggage in advance, your wait time at the airport will be shorter. If you’re traveling with a pet, arrive earlier to complete the necessary pet check-in procedures.

What Documents Should I Prepare Before Going to the Airport?

Valid Identification: National ID card for domestic flights; passport with validity for international flights.
Ticket and Boarding Pass: This can be printed or shown as a digital version on your phone.
Visa: Check whether your destination requires a visa and obtain it if needed. Some destinations offer a visa on arrival.
Vaccination or Health Test Documents: If required by your destination or airline (e.g., COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR test result).
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for international travel.
Hotel Reservation or Invitation Document: If required by the destination country.
Documents for Children: Child’s birth certificate or passport; parental consent letter if required.
Pet Travel Documents: If you’re traveling with a pet.
Additional Documents (e.g., International Driving Permit): If needed at your destination.

What Should I Do Upon Entering the Airport?

You’ve entered the airport, and your journey begins right here. However, there are still many things to do before boarding the plane.

Domestic & International Entries

The main entrances of airports are usually divided between domestic and international terminals. Signboards outside the airport building indicate the direction to each terminal. In addition to knowing whether your flight is domestic or international, make sure to check which terminal your airline operates from. For example, at Mehrabad Airport, Terminal 1 serves certain airlines, while Terminals 4 and 6 are used for other domestic flights. To find out which terminal your flight departs from, check your ticket or call the airline’s customer service.

Check the Airport Display Board

Immediately check your flight status, including the airline check-in counter, and flight updates (boarding pass issuance, delays, etc.). Show your passport, ticket, and luggage at the airline counter to receive your boarding pass and baggage tags.

Self-Check-in Kiosks

Some airports are equipped with self-check-in kiosks to print boarding passes and baggage tags. If you’ve already completed online check-in, there’s no need to go to the check-in counter or use the kiosk.

Security Control Gates

After receiving your boarding pass, you’ll proceed to the security check. Once you pass through security, you’ll enter the transit area. If you’re taking an international flight, you must also go through passport control. Finally, head to your departure gate according to the gate number on your boarding pass.

Airport Facilities and Services

Knowing what services and facilities are available at the airport can help make your trip more comfortable. Since you’ll be spending a few hours at the airport before your flight, being informed about available amenities ensures an easier travel experience.

Airport Parking – How to Reserve?

Most airports offer short-term parking (for companions or brief stops) and long-term parking (for travelers away for several days). In some international airports, online parking reservations may not be available, and payment is made upon arrival. However, more modern airports like the new Istanbul Airport or Dubai Airport offer online parking reservation services. Check the airport’s official website for more details.

Free Wi-Fi

Most major airports around the world provide free Wi-Fi access to passengers. To use the free internet, you usually need to enter your mobile number and receive a verification code. You can also ask the information desk for connection instructions.

Restaurants, Cafés, & Shops at Airports

After you have passed the security check, nothing beats a warm meal, a delicious drink, or a quick snack to get you ready for your trip. All airports offer a variety of restaurants, fast food outlets, cafés, and convenience stores. International airports also feature gift shops, bookstores, and clothing stores, which make for an enjoyable browsing or shopping experience. Many of these stores are duty-free, offering great options for souvenirs and tax-free shopping.

Special Services

Most airports around the world try to provide special services to make travel a comfortable experience. Even the waiting times at the airport or the moments spent in long lines can turn into memorable parts of your journey.

CIP Services: These are premium services that include access to lounge areas, refreshments, dedicated transfer to the aircraft, and handling flight procedures on behalf of the passenger. CIP services require prior reservation via the airport’s website, the airline’s website, or third-party service providers. A simple online search will give you all the necessary details for booking.
Disability Services: Specialized supports for people with disability typically include wheelchairs, assistance with baggage handling, and airport staff accompaniment to the gate. These services usually need to be requested from the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Family Services: Mother-and-child rooms for baby changing, as well as fast-track access for families with infants and young children, are among the special services airports provide.

Guide to Boarding the Plane

How to Reach the Boarding Gate

Upon entering the airport, go to the check-in counter to receive your boarding pass and baggage tags. If you’ve already checked in online and only have carry-on luggage, go directly to the security check.
For international flights, go through passport control and then head to the security check. For domestic flights, go straight to the security check.
Pass through the security check. Follow the rules for separating metallic items, laptops, and liquids. You may also need to remove shoes, boots, and coats for X-ray scanning. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy.
After the security check, find your boarding gate number on your boarding pass or the airport display boards, and proceed to the gate.

Boarding Announcements

Boarding announcements are regularly made over the PA system and displayed on screens. Boarding typically begins 30–45 minutes before departure. Priority is usually given to passengers with disabilities, families with young children, seniors, and frequent flyer members.

What to Do after Landing

Your flight has landed, and your journey to the destination begins. After arriving at the airport, there are a few important steps to follow:

Passport Control: For international flights, you’ll be directed to the passport control gate. The officer may ask you questions about the purpose of your visit, your duration of stay, and your accommodation. If you’re returning from abroad, they may inquire about the purpose of your trip.
Baggage Claim: After passport control, you’ll proceed to the baggage claim area. For domestic flights, there is no passport control, and you go directly to baggage claim. Check the airport monitors to find the correct carousel for your flight.
Exit and Transportation (Taxi, Metro, and Bus): After getting your luggage, follow the signs to the exit. You can use airport taxis or public transportation. Most major airports are connected to metros or buses. Some also offer scheduled shuttle services to specific parts of the city — a convenient and safe way to travel from the airport to the city center.

Hotels Near the Airport

Can you stay overnight at the airport? Yes. In addition to capsule hotels for short stays, most airports have access to fully equipped hotels. You can easily find and book them online via Google or through the hotel booking websites and platforms. Airport hotels typically offer similar amenities and services to city hotels and are ideal for layovers or when your flight is late at night or early in the morning. They provide a comfortable stay close to the terminal, allowing you to reach your flight quickly and easily.

List of flysepehran Airports Destinations

In addition to domestic flights to major cities across Iran, flysepehran operates regular international flights, playing a vital role in connecting Iranians to other countries and welcoming international tourists to Iran. Sepehran’s current destinations include Muscat, Kuwait, Dubai, Istanbul, Yerevan, Georgia, Baghdad, and Najaf. Regular flights to these cities have made international travel more accessible than ever for Iranian citizens. Sepehran operates its flights from Mashhad Airport, Mehrabad Airport, and Imam Khomeini International Airport to various local and international destinations.

flysepehran Offices at the Airports

Get in touch with the flysepehran call center for your wishes, complaints, suggestions, and feedback at +982149116. Below is an introduction to the airports where flysepehran operates and has offices.

Mashhad Airport (MHD), Iran

Mashhad Airport is the base of Sepehran flights and one of Iran’s most important airports for domestic and international passengers. Officially known as “Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport,” with IATA code MHD, it has two parallel runways and handles dozens of daily flights from various domestic and international airlines. In terms of flight number, it is Iran’s second busiest airport after Mehrabad.

Tehran Mehrabad Airport (THR), Iran

Mehrabad Airport, with IATA code THR, is the busiest airport in Iran in terms of domestic and international flights. It has six terminals and facilitates numerous flights to various cities across Iran. Hajj flights are also operated from here. flysepehran is one of the major airlines at this airport, playing a significant role in Iran’s domestic flight network.

Najaf Airport (NJF), Iraq

Najaf Airport, with the IATA code NJF, is one of the most important airports in Iraq. Due to the city’s significance as a religious tourism destination, the airport plays a crucial role in transporting international pilgrims, passengers, and cargo. With its well-developed infrastructure, Najaf Airport is one of the region’s important air hubs. The presence of major airlines highlights its role in aviation services and destination connectivity.

Baghdad Airport (BGW), Iraq

Baghdad International Airport, with the IATA code BGW, is Iraq’s most important international airport and the main hub of Iraqi Airways. Due to religious travel to the holy shrines, this airport is one of the primary destinations for Iranian airlines. It offers regular flights to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Turkey, Syria, the UAE, Bahrain, and Jordan.

Bandar Abbas Airport (BND), Iran

Bandar Abbas is one of the most important cities and the main seaport of Iran. This city plays a critical role in connecting Iranian cities to the islands of the Persian Gulf and the world’s major ports to Iran. Bandar Abbas International Airport is a gateway for all commercial passengers as well as international tourists to reach the amazing destinations of the Persian Gulf.

Kish Airport (KIH), Iran

The beautiful island of Kish is a top tourist destination on the Persian Gulf, and Kish Airport serves as the gateway for both domestic and international visitors. With the IATA code KIH, it is considered one of the most attractive airports in Iran and plays a pivotal role in promoting domestic tourism. flysepehran is one of the most active airlines at Kish International Airport, operating regular flights from various cities to the island.

Muscat Airport (MCT), Oman

Muscat Airport, with the IATA code MCT, is one of the most beautiful airports in terms of interior design. The increasing tourism exchange between Iran and Oman has made Muscat International Airport one of the primary international destinations for flysepehran flights.

Kuwait Airport (KWI), Kuwait

Kuwait Airport is one of flysepehran’s key international destinations. The Mashhad-Kuwait flight has become a milestone in cultural and commercial exchange between the two countries. With the IATA code KWI, this airport serves commercial, military, and cargo purposes and offers daily flights to numerous destinations, including several cities in Iran, making it one of the region’s busiest airports.

Istanbul New Airport (IST), Turkey

The beautiful city of Istanbul is one of Sepehran’s most popular destinations. The ease of travel, wide variety of accommodations, shopping options, and countless attractions have turned this city into a favorite for international tourists. Istanbul New Airport acts as a hub connecting travelers from around the world.

Qeshm Airport (GSM), Iran

Qeshm, the most biodiverse island in the Persian Gulf, known for its geological heritage and authentic local culture, is just a short flight away. From the moment you book your Sepehran flight to Qeshm to the time you land, Qeshm Airport welcomes you to an unforgettable journey.

Chabahar Konarak Airport (ZBR), Iran

Chabahar Konarak Airport serves as the entry point to a port city known for its unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in southeastern Iran. Chabahar, located along the Makran coast, offers stunning seascapes, rare geological formations, and incredible biodiversity, making it one of Sepehran’s most exciting destinations for nature and culture lovers.

Rasht Airport (RAS), Iran

Northern Iran’s lush landscapes, framed by the Caspian Sea on one side and the green Alborz Mountains on the other, are a few hours away thanks to Sepehran flights. Sepehran’s daily flights to Rasht Airport offer travelers a complete destination filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse recreational activities.

Kermanshah Airport (KSH), Iran

Kermanshah International Airport connects travelers to one of the largest metropolitan cities in western Iran. Daily flights from Mashhad to Kermanshah via flysepehran allow passengers to experience a destination that offers both lush nature and rich local culture.

Dubai Airport (DXB), UAE

Dubai Airport, with the IATA code DXB, is one of the world’s busiest airports in terms of international passenger traffic, total passenger volume, and cargo transport. As the main hub for Emirates and flydubai, it’s also a major destination for Sepehran flights, offering convenient access to one of the Persian Gulf’s most glamorous cities.

Tbilisi Airport (TBS), Georgia

Tbilisi International Airport, with the IATA code TBS and officially named Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, is Georgia’s main international gateway. It offers passengers a glimpse into the city’s European-style architecture and unique charm. Sepehran’s weekly flights to Tbilisi make it easy to experience this European destination close to Iran.

Ahvaz Airport (AWZ), Iran

Ahvaz International Airport is one of Sepehran’s most important destinations in southwestern Iran, connecting passengers to cities across the Khuzestan province. With the IATA code AWZ and dozens of daily flights, it is one of Iran’s key airports, offering connectivity both within the country and to neighboring nations.

Shiraz Airport (SYZ), Iran

Shiraz Airport, officially called Shiraz Shahid Dastgheib International Airport with the IATA code SYZ, is among Iran’s most important airports. It provides access to one of the most beautiful cultural destinations in the world. Shiraz, the poetic destination of Iran, is a must-see city that’s accessible in all seasons thanks to Sepehran’s regular flights.

FAQs

When should I arrive at the airport before my flight?

For domestic flights, arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure; for international flights, 3 to 4 hours in advance.

What documents do I need for my flight?

For domestic flights, a national ID and a boarding pass. For international flights, a valid passport, a visa (if required), a boarding pass, an exit tax receipt, and travel insurance (recommended).

Can I show my ticket and boarding pass on my phone?

Yes, most airlines accept digital tickets and will issue your boarding pass upon presenting your ID or passport. Some airlines also offer online check-in with digital boarding passes, though having a printed copy is advisable.

How can I reserve the airport parking?

Many airports offer the option to reserve and use parking facilities. For more information, check the airport’s official website or contact the airport’s information or customer service.

What is the baggage allowance for my flight?

Baggage allowance depends on the airline and travel class. Generally, international flights allow around 20 kg of checked baggage + 6 kg of carry-on for domestic routes, and 25 to 30 kg + 6 kg of carry-on for international flights. However, always check the baggage allowance on your ticket or contact your airline’s support service before your flight.

What items are prohibited in carry-on luggage?

You are not allowed to carry liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, certain types of batteries, or flammable materials in your carry-on baggage. Please check the airport’s website for the list of prohibited items before your flight.

Do airports offer free Wi-Fi?

Most airports provide free Wi-Fi access, usually accessible via your mobile number or passport number. Follow the airport signage or ask at the information desk for connection instructions.

Do airport waiting areas have restaurants and shops?

Yes; most airports have restaurants, cafés, and shops. Some airports also offer capsule hotels or rest areas for short-term stays between flights.

Are special services available for passengers with disabilities?

Yes, services typically include wheelchair assistance and help through the gates. You should inform your airline in advance. For example, to request wheelchair assistance with flysepehran, visit https://flysepehran.com/en, under the “Track & Refund” section.

Do airports provide special services for families?

Yes; amenities such as mother-and-child rooms, fast-track lanes for families with young children, and temporary rest hotels are available in many airports.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or the gate changes?

Always check the flight information display boards, as they are updated regularly. Listen for announcements over the PA system and, if needed, contact the information desk or your airline’s staff for assistance.

What should I do if my gate changes?

Keep checking the display boards and listening to audio announcements for updates. For help, contact the flysepehran staff or airport information personnel—they are available to assist you.

How can I check my flight status?

Check the flight status on the airport’s display boards. If you haven’t reached the airport yet, contact the airport’s flight information line or search using your flight number or airline on the airport’s website.

Can I stay overnight at the airport?

Yes, most airports offer capsule hotels for short stays of a few hours. You can also use airport hotels for longer overnight accommodations.

Why is it important to check flight status?

Flight status can change due to weather conditions, air traffic, or other unpredictable factors. Checking your flight status helps you plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.