About W5
W5 is Mahan Air, an Iranian carrier that operates as a full-service airline — think checked bags, meals, the works — rather than a budget operation. Its network is built almost entirely around Tehran's Imam Khomeini International (IKA), which anchors 18 of its 38 non-stop routes. The overall footprint stretches across 104,596 km of total network, connecting Iran to Iraq, Pakistan, China, and Türkiye. It's a regionally-focused airline with an international reach that surprises a lot of first-time bookers.
Why fly W5?
Honestly? The route map is the main draw. If you're traveling between Iran and anywhere in the Middle East or Central Asia, W5 often has the most direct options. That PVG-IKA route — Shanghai to Tehran at 6,443 km — is genuinely impressive for a carrier this size, and it saves you a painful connection somewhere like Dubai. Iran accounts for 19 routes in the network, so if IKA is your destination or your starting point, you've got real options rather than one daily flight you either catch or don't. The full-service model also means you're not nickel-and-dimed on bags, which matters on longer hauls.
W5 hub airports
- IKA Tehran — 18 W5 routes from Iran
- LHE Lahore — 2 W5 routes from Pakistan
- BGW Baghdad — 1 W5 routes from Iraq
- SVO Moscow — 1 W5 routes from Russia
- PVG Shanghai — 1 W5 routes from China
Top destination countries on W5
- Iran — 19 W5 routes
- Iraq — 4 W5 routes
- Pakistan — 3 W5 routes
- China — 3 W5 routes
- Turkiye — 2 W5 routes
- Thailand — 2 W5 routes
- Russia — 2 W5 routes
- India — 1 W5 routes
Tips for booking W5
Book directly and double-check your documentation requirements well before flying — routes touching IKA often come with visa or entry complexities depending on your passport, and that's on you to sort, not the airline. Tehran's IKA is your best connection point with 18 routes radiating out, so routing through there makes sense if you're island-hopping across the network. Lahore (LHE) and Baghdad (BGW) are secondary hubs but thin — don't count on onward connections there. W5 isn't in a major global alliance, so don't expect to earn miles on your usual loyalty program. Pack patience for check-in queues.
Frequently asked questions about W5
Where does W5 fly?
W5 operates 38 routes primarily serving Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, with a focus on connecting major cities across the Middle East and South Asia regions.
What is W5's main hub?
W5's primary hub is Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), which serves as the central connection point for most of its flight network.
What type of airline is W5?
W5 operates as a regional carrier, focusing on medium-range routes across the Middle East and South Asia with a concentrated network of 38 routes.
When should I book flights with W5?
For the best fares on W5, booking 3-4 weeks in advance is typically recommended, though regional routes may have different pricing patterns depending on demand and season.
What are W5's baggage and check-in policies?
For specific baggage allowances and check-in requirements, it is best to contact W5 directly or check their official website, as policies may vary by route and fare class.