Flights to Israel

Highlights of Iran

Iran, (a.k.a. Persia), is a large country in the Middle East, between the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Iraq to the west, and Turkey, Azerbaijan's Naxcivan enclave, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to the northwest. Afghanistan and Pakistan make up its southeast borders. In general, Iran has an arid climate in which most of the relatively scant annual precipitation falls from October through April. Although you are not likely to be rained out of a trip to Iran during any part of the year, it is important to choose a time that is not dominated by extreme heat or even cold. Spring and fall are relatively mild, while summers are dry and hot. Tehran is representative of modern Iran in all its glory. Here you can visit art galleries, exceptional restaurants, hip cafes and meet a captivating mix of cultures and people. Kashan's stress-free atmosphere is noted for its grand bazaar and elegantly restored Qajar-era mansions. Travel to Yazd where you can walk among an antiquated forest of wind towers and experience twisting lanes occupied by idealistic hotels and restaurants. The Alborz Mountains offer up ski resorts, world-class climbing opportunities, and the legendary Castles of the Assassins. The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza at Mashhad is Iran's holiest site, while a visit to Kaluts will astound with its 10-story sand castles as far as the eye can see.

Getting to Iran

International flights are numerous and vary in cost according to dates and times of travel. Dubai has scheduled flights to many Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kerman, Lar, Mashhad, Tabriz, Kish Island, Bandar Abbas, Bushher, Zahedan, and is therefore worth considering as a place from which to travel to Iran. Most European countries also have flights to Iran as a regular part of their schedules.

Airports

All international flights to Tehran land at the new Imam Khomeini International Airport. The Mashhad International Airport is currently undergoing expansion and used only on a limited basis, mostly to and from Central Asia and the Middle East, as well as to several cities within Iran. Shiraz International Airport serves as the largest airport in the southern region of Iran. After undergoing renovation and redevelopment work in 2005, Shiraz Airport has been identified as the second most reliable and modern airport in Iran, after Imam Khomeini. 70 smaller regional airports, for example those in Shiraz, Mashhad, and Isfahan, have daily flights to many Iranian and international destinations, especially in the Middle East and Asia.

Khomeini International Airport

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA: IKA, ICAO: OIIE) is located in Tehran, Iran. The airport is located about 30 kilometers, (19 miles), south of the city. It was designed to replace Mehrabad International Airport, which is to the west of the city, now inside the city boundaries. The airport, originally designated as Ahmadabad, is now named after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The Airport's second terminal is due to begin construction in 2028.

Shiraz International Airport

Shiraz International Airport serves as the largest airport in the southern region of Iran. After undergoing renovation and redevelopment work in 2005, Shiraz Airport was identified as the second most reliable and modern airport in Iran, (after Imam Khomeini International Airport of Tehran), in terms of flight safety including electronic and navigation control systems of its flight tower. In addition to domestic flights to most major Iranian cities, several daily flights to Persian Gulf states including UAE and Bahrain are performed.

Airlines

International flights to Iran are numerous, unless flying from the U.S. You will most likely have to connect or change planes at any one of numerous international hubs before continuing on to Iran. Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Ariana Afghan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM (out of the Netherlands), Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Turkish Airlines all fly to Iran. Domestic flights within country are operated by Iran Air, Emirates (for Tehran), Iran Aseman Airlines, Mahan Air and other Iranian companies. The government subsidizes the price of gasoline, making these flights extremely reasonable. Air Arabia and Bahrain Air lead the list of discount airlines flying into and out of Iran. A few other budget airlines worth mentioning are Ease On Air (which is an Iranian low cost airline), Jazeera Airways, and Pegasus Airlines. Check for connections from the major airlines to book these low-cost fares.

Other Money-Saving Tips

Saving money to Iran and in Iran can be difficult considering the current political situation. Over-ground travel is not recommended at all for tourists due to safety concerns. It is probably wisest to steer clear of the larger cities, especially those on the Iraq and Afghanistan borders, which will also result in the largest cost savings. The smaller destinations in terms of population will not only insure a higher measure of safety, but may result in a more enjoyable visit as you meet the people and experience the culture on a more personal level.

In Closing

Iran is a country well worth visiting with the proper precautions in place. Outside of the larger populations, free of demonstrations and the strife that is currently occurring, you will find a charming and mysterious culture, steeped in ancient beliefs. You may even find a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in some of the smaller coastal towns that boast pristine beaches and a people anxious for news of the western world.

From the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Red Sea in the south and every point in between, you will be in awe of the sights, sounds, smells and overwhelming history of Israel. Virtually every city in Israel will invite you to partake in its biblical history, but will also offer treats such as cool caves, clean sandy beaches, tunnel tours, local festivals, shopping, museums and of course, dining. In Jerusalem, you can visit the Tower of David, Solomon's Stables and Temple Mount. Nearby caves include Beit Guvrin National Park and Stalactite Caves. In Tiberias, on the coast of the Sea of Galilee, there are seven National Parks and 10 beaches, with Gai Beach offering an amazing water park! Tel-Aviv Jaffa offers a surplus of entertainment options, from National Parks and museums to theaters and beaches. And camel rides! You cannot go to Israel and not embrace a moment of the desert life that includes the camel. Israel is also one of the few countries which encourage pilgrimages for the purpose of volunteering. There are specific opportunities for the elderly, those interested in forestry, for youth and for the disabled.