PYK · large airport

Payam International Airport

Karaj, Iran

Airports

PYKlarge airport

Payam International Airport

Karaj, Iran

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OIIP

ICAO

4170 ft

Elevation

TravelerPulse profile

Iran's aerospace and cargo hub near Tehran.

Opened

1991

Location

Karaj, Iran

Payam International Airport (IATA: PYK, ICAO: OIIP) is located in Karaj, Alborz Province, approximately 40 kilometers west of Tehran, Iran. It serves primarily as a cargo, aerospace, and maintenance facility rather than a major commercial passenger airport. The airport is closely associated with Iran's aerospace industry, including aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. It has also been used for charter and seasonal flights, particularly during periods when other airports face capacity constraints. Due to international sanctions and limited commercial operations, Payam handles a relatively modest volume of traffic compared to Imam Khomeini International Airport or Mehrabad Airport. It has periodically been discussed as a potential relief airport for the greater Tehran metropolitan area.

Terminals

The airport has limited passenger terminal infrastructure, as its primary focus is on cargo handling and aerospace industry operations rather than scheduled commercial passenger service.

Getting to & from

Ground transport between Payam Airport and central Tehran or Karaj is primarily by road, with no dedicated rail link currently serving the facility.

Airlines here

Regular scheduled commercial airline operations are minimal; the airport has hosted charter carriers and cargo operators rather than major passenger airlines.

Notable facts

›Located approximately 40 km west of Tehran in Alborz Province.
›Primarily functions as a cargo and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facility.
›Has been proposed as a supplementary relief airport for the Tehran metropolitan area.
›Associated with Iran's domestic aerospace and aviation manufacturing industry.
›International sanctions have significantly constrained its development and commercial airline traffic.

Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Gateway to Karaj where the Alborz Mountains meet the sky

Payam International Airport, located near Karaj in Alborz Province, Iran, was originally developed as a facility with both civilian and cargo functions, operating alongside its historical ties to aerospace and industrial activities in the region. Situated approximately 40 kilometres west of Tehran, it serves as a secondary international gateway, handling cargo operations and select passenger flights. The airport plays a strategic logistical role for goods moving in and out of the greater Tehran metropolitan area.

Terminals

Passenger Terminal — A modest single terminal handling limited international and domestic passenger services.
Cargo Terminal — The primary operational hub of the airport, dedicated to freight and logistics movements.

Ground Transport

Taxi services available at the terminal exit
Ride-hailing apps such as Snapp and Tap30 operable in the Karaj area
Private car hire arranged through local agencies
Bus connections toward central Karaj city

Nearby Hotels

Parsian Alborz Hotel, Karaj
Eram Hotel, Karaj
Morvarid Hotel, Karaj

Dining

Food options inside the terminal are limited, reflecting the airport's primarily cargo-oriented nature, with basic refreshment facilities available for departing passengers. Karaj city, a short drive away, offers a wide range of traditional Iranian restaurants, kebab houses, and tea houses. Travellers are advised to eat before arriving at the airport or plan a stop in the city centre.

Traveller Tips

Confirm your flight status directly with the airline as schedules at Payam can be irregular.
Arrange transportation in advance as taxi availability at the terminal can be limited during off-peak hours.
Carry Iranian rials as card payment infrastructure at the airport is not widely available for international visitors.
Allow extra travel time from Tehran as the route via the Karaj-Qazvin expressway can experience heavy congestion.

Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Encyclopaedia

Payam Airport is a public, international airport located in Karaj, 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Tehran, in Alborz Province of Iran. The airport was established in 1990, but was not opened officially until 1997. Payam Aviation Services Co. operates the airport as part of Payam Special Economic Zone. Payam Air previously operated an air mail hub at the airport.

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