Payam Karaj International Airport (PYK)

Karaj, IR 🇮🇷 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

OIIP

IATA

PYK

Elevation

4170 ft

Region

IR-30

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: OIIP

Local Code: Not available

Location: 35.7761° N, 50.826698° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

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Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Payam Karaj International Airport (OIIP (PYK)) presents a mixed and somewhat unclear picture regarding recent traveler experiences, primarily due to its historical role as a cargo airport and conflicting information about its current passenger operations. While it officially began commercial passenger services in September 2018, some recent sources suggest there are currently no passenger flights. For those who may have transited through it during its passenger service period, the airport appears to offer a generally relaxed and less crowded environment compared to larger hubs.

What Travelers Love

Less Crowded: Travelers appreciate that Payam Airport is smaller and less busy than Tehran's main airports, offering a potentially more relaxed experience.
Proximity to Natural Attractions: The airport provides convenient access to the Alborz Mountains, Dizin Ski Resort, and the Karaj River, making it a good base for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and rafting.
Gateway to Persian History and Nature: Its location serves as a suitable starting point for exploring cultural sites and natural beauty in the surrounding region, including Golestan Palace, Karaj Dam, and Chalus Road.
Good Security Check Rating: According to one general airport rating, the security check process received a high satisfaction score.
WiFi and Food/Retail: General ratings indicate positive feedback for WiFi availability and food and retail services.

Common Complaints

Unclear Passenger Flight Status: The most significant issue is the conflicting information regarding active passenger services, with some sources stating that there are currently no passenger flights serving the airport. This ambiguity makes it difficult for potential travelers to plan and for recent reviews to be consistently available.
Older Runway Surfaces: The runway and flight surfaces are noted as being old, with renovation and new asphalt pavement operations on the agenda since 2018. While efforts are underway to upgrade the lighting system, the age of the surfaces could be a concern.
Lower Baggage Claim Satisfaction: One rating source indicated a lower satisfaction score for baggage claim.
Limited Lounge Experience: The lounge facilities received a relatively lower satisfaction rating.
No Customs Facility: Payam Airport is not designated as an Airport of Entry and does not have customs available, which implies it cannot handle international passenger arrivals requiring customs clearance directly.

Overall, Payam Karaj International Airport seems to offer a potentially calmer alternative to larger regional airports, particularly appealing to those interested in exploring the natural and historical sites of the Alborz province. However, the current status of its passenger operations is uncertain, and travelers should verify flight availability. If passenger services are active, travelers might experience efficient security and decent WiFi, but should be aware of potentially older infrastructure and the lack of comprehensive international customs facilities.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

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Popular Flight Routes

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Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
Route Data Not Loaded Get fresh route data for Payam Karaj International Airport from FlightAware API Last updated: 1 week, 1 day ago This will fetch real-time data including recent departures and scheduled flights

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`12/30`	12005 ft	197 ft	ASP	Active Lighted

Type	Description	Frequency
AFIS	INFO	`118.4 MHz`
ATIS	ATIS	`117.5 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`PIM`	Payam	VOR-DME	`117500 kHz`
`PIM`	Payam	NDB	`306 kHz`

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Taxis are the most common and convenient way to travel from Payam Karaj Airport. Official airport taxis are available outside the terminal. Additionally, popular Iranian ride-hailing services like Snapp and Tapsi operate in the area and can be used for pickups, often at a competitive price. It is recommended to have these apps downloaded and an account set up before arrival.

Rental Cars

Several local Iranian car rental companies serve the airport, but it is highly advisable to arrange rentals in advance. Major international rental agencies may not have a physical presence at the terminal. Pre-booked vehicles can be delivered to the airport for pickup. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required for foreign drivers.

Public Transportation

There are no direct public bus or metro lines connected to the Payam Karaj Airport terminal. To access the public transit network, travelers must first take a taxi to a major transportation hub within the city of Karaj, such as the Karaj Metro Station or a main bus terminal, to continue their journey.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.