IKA

Best window seat at Imam Khomeini International Airport

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Alborz Mountains, Tehran metropolitan area, Karaj city

LandingLEFT

Alborz Mountains, Tehran urban sprawl, Caspian Coastal Plain

🛫 Taking Off from Tehran (IKA)

Best sideLeft
WhyDepartures from runway 29R head WNW, placing the Alborz Mountains prominently on the left (north) side during climb-out. The left side also offers views of the Tehran urban sprawl and the foothills that rise dramatically as you gain altitude heading toward the mountains.
Look forAlborz Mountains (north), Tehran metropolitan area (south/southeast), Karaj city (west), Caspian Sea coastal plain (distant north)

🛬 Landing at Tehran (IKA)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 11L (the most common arrival runway) means you're descending from the ESE on a westerly heading. The left side offers views of the Alborz Mountains to the north and the sprawling Tehran metropolitan area to the northwest, while the right side faces the flatter, less distinctive terrain to the south and southwest.
Look forAlborz Mountains (northern horizon), Tehran urban sprawl (northwest middle distance), Caspian Coastal Plain (distant north), Salt lakes and salt flats south of the airport (right side, less dramatic)

IKA is Iran's primary international gateway, located about 30km southwest of central Tehran, while domestic flights mostly use Mehrabad Airport closer to the city. It has a single main passenger terminal and was built to modern standards but remains underutilized relative to its capacity due to years of sanctions limiting international traffic growth.

⛰️ Elevation3,304 ft
🛫 Runways2 (11L/29R, 11R/29L)
✈️ HubIran Air, Mahan Air
📍 NearbyTHR 21 miPYK 31 miNSH 88 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)?

At Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Alborz Mountains (north), Tehran metropolitan area (south/southeast), Karaj city (west), Caspian Sea coastal plain (distant north).

What can I see during takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran?

When taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from runway 29R head WNW, placing the Alborz Mountains prominently on the left (north) side during climb-out. The left side also offers views of the Tehran urban sprawl and the foothills that rise dramatically as you gain altitude heading toward the mountains. Notable sights include: Alborz Mountains (north), Tehran metropolitan area (south/southeast), Karaj city (west), Caspian Sea coastal plain (distant north).

What can I see when landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran?

When landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 11L (the most common arrival runway) means you're descending from the ESE on a westerly heading. The left side offers views of the Alborz Mountains to the north and the sprawling Tehran metropolitan area to the northwest, while the right side faces the flatter, less distinctive terrain to the south and southwest. Notable sights include: Alborz Mountains (northern horizon), Tehran urban sprawl (northwest middle distance), Caspian Coastal Plain (distant north), Salt lakes and salt flats south of the airport (right side, less dramatic).

What factors affect the best window seat at Imam Khomeini International Airport?

The best window seat at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Tehran (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.