Imam Khomeini Airport Aims to Mirror Turkish Aviation Hub

TEHRAN (Iran News) In an interview with ILNA, Ramin Kashaf-Azar, the acting CEO of Imam Khomeini Airport City, discussed the future of the airport’s expansion plan. He said both terminal and airside infrastructure must be upgraded. Although studies for the airport’s second development phase were completed in previous years and some preliminary work has begun, he noted that the continuation of the project requires a fresh evaluation.

Kashaf-Azar stated that the investment required for the new terminal—regardless of the financing method—will “certainly exceed $2 billion,” describing the project as a critical national necessity.

He emphasized that Iran seeks to establish Imam Khomeini Airport as a regional transit hub, a strategic priority that will require significant investment:

“Our aim is for this airport to play a major transit role. Transit policy is extremely important for our country, and achieving this goal demands high levels of investment.”

Kashaf-Azar added that the expansion effort must go beyond simply constructing a new terminal. Operational capacity, he said, must grow simultaneously with physical development to ensure the airport can effectively handle increased traffic.

He stressed that increasing the number of international airlines operating in Iran—particularly at Imam Khomeini Airport—is essential for enabling the country’s air network to function as a transit system. “We must increase Iran’s share of the regional air transit market and reclaim the share that neighboring countries currently hold,” he said.

Regarding the financing of the required $2 billion, Kashaf-Azar explained that a variety of global models exist for funding major airport projects. He pointed to public-private partnership (PPP) schemes as a successful example worldwide, where development companies, financiers, operators, and builders all participate. Some funding for the project has already been secured, he noted, though its status must be reviewed. Regardless of any changes in financing strategy, he said, “the essential objective is the expansion of Imam Khomeini Airport.”

The acting CEO reiterated the necessity of a new terminal, but stressed that development alone is not enough. The critical question, he said, is how to attract more international carriers so airport operations can grow.

Kashaf-Azar also mentioned the potential benefits of securing Fifth Freedom traffic rights, which allow foreign airlines to pick up passengers in Iran en route to a third country. “If we can make effective use of Fifth Freedom rights, we will be far more hopeful about bringing multiple international airlines into the market,” he said. Creating favorable conditions for foreign carriers is essential, he added, noting that some steps have already been taken while others depend on broader external factors.

However, within the airport’s own operational environment, Kashaf-Azar said the main priority is clear:

“Our first priority is attracting foreign airlines—the same strategy Turkey used. Turkey expanded its airports only after it succeeded in bringing in many international carriers. We must follow that path.”