Air freight from Iran moves urgent, high-value and time-sensitive cargo out of the country far faster than road or sea. Most international air cargo leaves through Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), about 35 km southwest of Tehran. The airline then charges on the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight, so packing matters as much as the route.

This guide to air freight from Iran is for buyers, agents and exporters who want to understand how the process works. It covers the airport, the volumetric weight formula, suitable cargo and the documents you need, including the air waybill (AWB). Airline capacity and rules change, so confirm the current position before you book.

Desk with a world map and red route line, a toy truck, notebook, calculator and tape measure used to plan air freight from Iran

How air freight from Iran works

The chain has a few clear steps. Goods are packed, delivered to the airline or handler's cargo terminal, cleared for export, screened and loaded. At the destination the consignee clears import customs and collects the goods.

Imam Khomeini International Airport uses the IATA code IKA and the ICAO code OIIE. Reference sources describe a cargo terminal, customs, ground handling and round-the-clock operation there. Mehrabad Airport, inside Tehran, mainly serves domestic flights. Terminal hours and handling rules can change, so ask your forwarder for current acceptance times.

Airline choice and routing also change over time. A shipment may fly direct or connect through a hub, and the quotation should say which. Ask for the routing, the transfer point and a transit estimate in writing. Please also confirm current trade, banking and insurance restrictions with your bank or legal adviser.

Volumetric weight: how chargeable weight is calculated

Airlines charge for space as well as weight. The chargeable weight is the higher of the actual (gross) weight and the volumetric weight. The standard IATA formula is length × width × height in centimetres, divided by 6,000. The result is in kilograms.

One cubic metre therefore equals roughly 167 kg. Some carriers and express services use another divisor, such as 5,000. Confirm the rule with the carrier before you quote your customer.

Example	Pieces and size	Actual weight	Volumetric weight	Chargeable
Light cartons	5 cartons, 60 × 40 × 50 cm each	70 kg	100 kg	100 kg
Machine part	1 crate, 80 × 60 × 50 cm	120 kg	40 kg	120 kg

Airlines normally compare the total gross weight with the total volumetric weight of the whole air waybill. Ask whether your carrier rounds the result. Small changes in packing can lower the bill. Try these steps:

Remove empty space and use cartons that fit the goods.
Replace oversized crates with compact protective packaging where it is safe to do so.
Measure each piece at its widest points, including pallets and straps.
Consolidate small parcels on one AWB when the consignee and cargo allow it.

Which cargo suits air freight

Air freight from Iran works best when value is high compared with weight, or when time is critical. Typical examples are:

Urgent spare parts and components that stop a production line.
Samples, prototypes and trade-fair goods.
High-value, low-weight goods such as saffron, precision instruments and small electronics.
Temperature-sensitive products such as medicines, which need a documented cold chain. See our guide to pharmaceutical and medical cargo transport.
Short-shelf-life products, such as cut flowers or selected fresh produce.

Air is a poor fit for heavy bulk goods, low-value commodities and very large machinery. Road, rail and sea cost much less per kilogram for those. Our guide to international freight from Iran compares the main modes.

Dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries, aerosols and flammable liquids, must follow the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The 67th edition took effect on 1 January 2026, and some items are forbidden by air. Read the IATA dangerous goods page and declare such cargo before booking.

Documents for air freight from Iran: the AWB and supporting papers

The air waybill (AWB) is the central document. It is the contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline, and a receipt for the goods. It is non-negotiable, so unlike an ocean bill of lading it does not transfer ownership. Its number has 11 digits: a three-digit airline prefix and eight further digits.

IATA's e-AWB allows airlines and forwarders to skip the paper original under Resolution 672, once both sides have signed the multilateral agreement. Ask your forwarder whether the e-AWB applies to your lane.

Prepare these papers alongside the AWB:

A commercial invoice and packing list with matching descriptions, quantities and weights.
The export declaration and customs clearance papers, handled under the rules of Iran Customs (IRICA).
A certificate of origin or phytosanitary certificate, when the product or the buyer requires one.
A dangerous goods declaration, where it applies.

Use the same consignee name, goods description and HS code on every paper. A mismatch is a common cause of delay at customs. Our article on the HS code and customs duties explains how to classify goods. The Incoterms rule in your contract also decides who books the flight, so read Incoterms 2020 explained first.

What affects cost and transit time

Prices for air freight from Iran depend on market, season and capacity, so we do not quote figures here. The main drivers are:

Chargeable weight, as shown above.
Routing, direct or with a transfer.
Airline and service level.
Cargo type, for example dangerous goods or temperature control.
Handling, customs and security charges at both ends.
Pick-up and final delivery.

Transit time covers more than the flight itself. Add pick-up, export clearance, airline cut-off times, any transfer, import clearance and delivery. Royan Logistic is a Tehran-based logistics company that offers road, sea, rail and air freight with customs coordination, so one request can compare several modes. Our air freight service page and the international freight page give an overview.

Frequently asked questions

Which airport is used for air freight from Iran?

Most international air cargo is handled at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), about 35 km southwest of Tehran. The final routing depends on the airline and the cargo. Confirm it with your forwarder.

How is volumetric weight calculated?

Multiply length, width and height in centimetres, then divide by 6,000. Compare the result with the actual weight. The higher figure is the chargeable weight.

Can I send lithium batteries by air?

Only if the shipment follows the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the airline accepts it. Declare the batteries in advance and ask for the correct packaging and labelling.

Is air freight always faster than road?

The flight is faster, but cut-off times, transfers and clearance add time. For nearby destinations, road transport can be competitive once you count handling at both ends.

Request a quote for air freight from Iran

Send the commodity, HS code, number of pieces, dimensions, gross weight, airports and required delivery date through our quote form. We will help you compare air with other modes. Current customs rules should always be confirmed with IRICA or the relevant authority.

Updated: October 11, 2026