Tehran - Mehrabad Intl

1Terminals

From the international terminal some views of the civil ramps and the military ramps on the opposite side can be had. But leaving from the domestic terminal is far better; the terminal itself only offers views of a wall. When leaving on a domestic flight, the bus will have to pass the army area because the apron is more to the west. So watch carefully when driving in this bus. When traffic at the new airport in south Tehran gains momentum, this domestic terminal might be withdrawn from use however. Between the domestic arrivals and departure buildings, a fence offers a perfect view over the domestic ramp although the security cameras might spoil the fun.

2Helicopter rework facility, west side

The helicopter facility has a small runway of its own. The area is walled off, but the 09 threshold is just behind it so any moving helicopter should be no problem. Just south of this, the CATC (Civil Aviation Technical College) is situated with an F28, 4 Commanders, a Ce414 and an F-86F.

3Helicopter rework facility, northeast side

There is a footbridge northeast of the helicopter facility. It should provide a clear view of the main ramp and threshold of runway 27, albeit from the north.

4East side footbridge

Heading south from Azadi square on Ayatollah Sa'idi street, you will pass the walled off shelter area. However, there is a footbridge over the road. Scale this and you might be able to see a part of this area as well as the eastern most military ramps on the south side of the airport.

5East side approach runway 29L/R

After passing the threshold, leave Ayatollah Sa’idi and find a spot. You can stand near the threshold or to the east of this busy road. Also, a bit further south where the road bends west, a complex system of exits is situated; there is a roundabout and a small park just south of that exit offering some opportunities. You might encounter some Iranian spotters in the weekend (Friday).

6South east side foot bridge

Within walking distance of the roundabout, there is a foot bridge over the through road. This offers excellent views, no bins needed, of landing aircraft. Also, you can have a peek on the small army hangar and ramp that is on the north side just in front of you. Look left and you will see a decoy F-4E. But beware, you are in full sight of the busy multi lane road beneath you and there are guards on foot inside the fence within spitting distance.

7West side ramp view - Footbridge

Follow the highway towards Karaj on the south side of the airport but head north after passing the airport, this is about 1,5 km after passing the river. You will drive along the aircraft perimeter wall and some gates. After two main roads to the left and about 2 km on this road, there is a small park on the right hand side. A bit north of this park, there is a footbridge. From there you have a good view of the nearby B747/707 ramp looking from the northwest to the southeast, so it is okay for late afternoon views.

8Northwest side footbridge

Heading north from spot 7 will bring you to Azadi street again. Make a right towards Tehran on the parallel track, not the main road. After 2 km, just past the river, there is a footbridge that should allow views on some of the southern ramps and a part of the northwest side maintenance ramps.

9North side apartment buildings

Coming from the museum and going southbound along the (walled) Fars Co. maintenance hangers the road crosses Azadi highway. From this bridge most of the An-74 and IL-76 aircraft at the maintenance hangars can be spotted. Alternatively, just north of Azadi highway there are two residential areas with large apartment buildings. Leave the highway immediately after under passing the taxiway running over the highway. Cross the highway and enter the residential area. From the southern most flats, you should be able to view some of the aircraft parked out on the ramps, even the ones on the southern side. From the western apartments, the IAI area can be viewed. Most of these flats will be closed normally, so you have to slip in with on of the residents probably. Also, you will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, so be very cautious.

10North side apartment buildings - 2

Same story as spot 9 basically. This area is bigger and somewhat more to the east. The southern most flats will provide a good view of the nearby civil and maintenance area and south side Hercules ramp far to the south, so you need excellent lighting conditions becasue these aircraft are between 1.5 and 2 km away.

11Museum and storage

Compared to satellite pictures all disused Iran Air and Iran government and Iran Navy transport aircraft relocated adjacent to the museum and can be visited when asked. The same area houses a small maintenance school with some Commanders. Entrance after polite asking should not be a problem. From that location the north side of the big civil maintenance platform can be seen from afar. From the museum aircraft can be seen taking off in the distance.