About EP
Iran Air, operating under the IATA code EP, is Iran's flag carrier and the dominant force in the country's commercial aviation. This is a legacy airline in every sense — state-backed, deeply tied to national infrastructure, and built around serving domestic connectivity rather than chasing international expansion. With 66 non-stop routes spread across 27 airports and a total network spanning over 47,000 kilometres, EP's character is essentially inward-looking: 63 of its routes stay within Iranian borders, threading together cities that road travel alone can't efficiently serve. Tehran's Mehrabad Airport (THR) anchors the whole operation with 18 routes radiating outward, making it the clear centre of gravity.
Why fly EP?
If you're travelling within Iran, EP is often your most practical option — full stop. The network covers domestic routes that alternatives simply don't match in frequency or reach. Mashhad (MHD), the second hub with 11 routes, is one of the world's busiest pilgrimage destinations, and EP's concentration there reflects a genuine understanding of its passenger base. For travellers heading to Iraq or making the single Georgian connection, EP offers rare direct access that routing through other carriers would complicate considerably. It's not a luxury product, and I wouldn't position it as one. But for getting between Iranian cities efficiently, the sheer density of the domestic map is the real selling point.
EP hub airports
- THR Tehran — 18 EP routes from Iran
- MHD Mashad — 11 EP routes from Iran
- AWZ Ahwaz — 3 EP routes from Iran
- IFN Isfahan — 3 EP routes from Iran
- ABD Abadan — 3 EP routes from Iran
Top destination countries on EP
Tips for booking EP
Book directly and early, particularly for routes out of THR — seat availability on popular domestic sectors tightens fast around religious holidays and pilgrimage seasons. The Mashhad hub is worth understanding: MHD handles major religious traffic, so expect busier terminals and potential delays during peak periods. The longest route on the network, MHD to ABD at 1,244 kilometres, gives a sense of the distances involved in crossing Iran. Sanctions have historically complicated payment processing for international travellers, so confirm your booking method before assuming a standard card transaction will work. Keep luggage expectations flexible and check current allowances directly with the airline before departure.
Frequently asked questions about EP
Where does EP (Iran Air) fly?
EP operates 66 routes primarily serving Iran, Iraq, and Georgia, with a strong focus on Middle Eastern destinations. The airline connects major cities across the region with its extensive network.
What is EP's main hub airport?
Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (THR) is EP's primary hub, serving as the central connecting point for most of the airline's regional and international flights.
Is EP a legacy carrier, low-cost airline, or regional carrier?
EP is a legacy carrier operating a full-service network across the Middle East and surrounding regions. It offers traditional airline services with multiple fare classes rather than a low-cost model.
When should I book EP flights and what fare classes are available?
Book 4-8 weeks in advance for the best fares on EP flights. The airline typically offers multiple fare classes with varying baggage allowances, seat selection options, and cancellation policies.
What are EP's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; check your ticket for specifics. Online check-in is usually available 24 hours before departure, and standard check-in closes 2-3 hours before international flights.