
Transportation of Goods via Air freight to Iran: An All-Inclusive Manual for 2025
Transporting goods by air remains one of the most economical and safest means of shipping them to Iran, whether for a commercial business that requires shipping or an individual looking to send a personal parcel.
The document aims to send air freight to Iran, explaining in detail how to choose an air cargo service, customs clearance, and all other related document requirements, costs, and restrictions for streamlined shipping.
This guide comprehensively outlines the uncomplicated procedures for freight transport, regardless of the cargo type, electronics, medical devices, or apparel. It also explains air freight to Iran and its corresponding functions.
What distinguishes air shipping to Iran?

1. Flexibility and Speed
Air freight is Iran’s most expedited shipping method than roads or waterways. It is the most suitable option for urgent deliveries such as medical supplies, electronics, and other perishable items.
Most global airlines operate passenger and freight services to Tehran, Mashhad, and other cities in Iran, which aids in better scheduling and further reduction of transit times.
2. Global Coverage
Almost every other city in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East has airfreight services to Iran. This implies that cargo originating from logistical centers like Dubai, Istanbul, Frankfurt, and Doha can be forwarded to Iran’s airports without considerable delays.
3. Safety
Because of the strict regulations concerning handling goods, air freight is one of the safest methods for moving goods. Compared with land or sea routes, the relative risk of damage, theft, and delays is the lowest.
List of Goods Brought to Iran with Air Freight

- Medical Equipment: includes hospital machines, diagnostic devices, and medicines.
- Consumer Electronics: smartphones, laptops, and many other appliances.
- Automotive Parts: vehicle and engine aftermarket accessories and replacement parts.
- Textiles and Fashion: textile retailing, clothing, and fashion retailing.
Documentation Required for Airfreight of Goods to Iran

Possessing appropriate documentation for airfreight to Iran facilitates the customs process and includes the following:
- Invoice Commercial: describes the inventory with itemized values.
- Packing List: describes the weight and measurements of the cargo.
- Air Waybill (AWB): Document confirming the carrier’s tracking order.
- Certificate of Origin: certifies the country of manufacture of the goods.
- Import/Export License: valid for specific types of products.
- Insurance Certificate: applies if the shipment is insured.
Check with logistics and consult before the Iranian Customs border check on the submission claim pertinent to the goods of the relevant category.
Summary of Iranian Customs Policies

With Iran being under heavy sanctions, having complex local regulations and specific restrictions for certain goods poses these factors:
- HS Codes have to be applied accurately in order not to cause a delay.
- Several restrictions exist, including those on the import of alcohol, pork, gambling items, and politically sensitive materials.
- Fern check sanction is the sender’s responsibility; it applies more when it falls into the dual-use restricted categories.
- Accurate and collated supporting documents for the cargo are required to prevent fines and seizures.
Set documentation assists the forwarder in maintaining compliance while alleviating legal burdens.
What Is the Cost of Air Freight to Iran?

The cost of air freight to Iran is based on various factors.
- Weight and Volume: Shipments that weigh above a specific limit cost more.
- Type of Cargo: Items requiring special handling, like perishables, may incur higher fees.
- Distance from Origin Airport: Flights from most global superiority hubs may be cheaper because of frequent flights.
- Speed of Service: Express delivery air freight costs more than economy air freight.
- Insurance and Additional Services: Optional services, such as tracking the cargo or tracking and transporting it to a specified location, add to the total cost.
Most carriers measure the actual vs. the dimensional weight to get the correct quote and choose the higher value.
Major Airports In Iran For Air Cargo Delivery

Iran is home to many equipped international airports with cargo facilities.
- Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA): Tehran is Iran’s central hub for operational freight and a key hub for international traffic.
- Mashhad International Airport (MHD): The Second busiest airport to northern and eastern destinations.
Shiraz and Isfahan Airports also serve limited regions.
Most global cargo forwarders transport to IKA because of the ease it provides.
Leading Airlines and Freight Forwarders Providing Air Freight Services to Iran
Qatar Airways Cargo
- Turkish Airlines Cargo
- Emirates SkyCargo
- Mahan Air
Iran Air Cargo
These airlines are skilled at managing freight to and from Iran. Most of them provide up-to-date shipment tracking and customs clearance.
Freight forwarders like DHL Global Forwarding, Aramex, and some Iranian logistics companies provide consolidated air cargo services with customs clearance.
Procedure for Shipping Air Freight to Iran

- Get a Quote: Share shipment details with your selected freight service provider.
- Prepare Your Goods: Ensure all items are adequately packaged and labeled.
- Arrange Documentation: Ensure that all legal and commercial documents are organized.
- Drop-Off or Pickup: Decide whether you want the freight company to pick up the cargo or if you want to deliver it at the terminal yourself.
- Transit and Tracking: Keep an eye on your shipment at different stages of its journey.
- Customs Clearance in Iran: Settle duties, taxes, and other relevant payments, if any.
- Delivery to Final Destination: If necessary, finalize the shipment by delivering it to the last point of need.
Suggestions for Effective Air Freight Shipping to Iran

- Work with Trusted Providers: Use knowledgeable freight forwarders who have worked with Iranians to minimize unexpected expenses.
- Double-Check Sanctions: Always verify whether your items require control restrictions or special clearances.
- Insure High-Value Cargo: Although air freight is generally much safer, having insurance offers added security.
- Use Strong Packaging: Strong packaging aids in safeguarding goods against potential damage while handling.
- Plan Ahead: Although planning does not provide timely customs clearance or a need to wait in line during peak season, the potential to cut down on delays given in advance is welcome.
Challenges You May Face When Shipping to Iran

- Sanction Restrictions: Certain international sanctions may, at times, delay, block, or create limitations for specific shipments.
- Bureaucracy and Paperwork: Insufficient paperwork leads to confiscation and excessive fines.
- Limited Flight Availability: Political or economic dynamics may disrupt the scheduling of certain flights.
- Cost Variability: Changes in fuel, taxes, and other costs, along with airport fees, may lead to unannounced rate increases.
To meet these challenges head-on, staying current with these policies and consulting with specialists is essential.
Industries That Frequently Use Air Freight to Iran:

- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Technology and Electronics
- Apparel and Fashion
- Automotive
- Food and Agriculture
These trades depend on timely delivery to sustain cutthroat supply chains, high customer expectations, and product value.
FAQ’s
What are the main benefits of using air freight to Iran?
Air freight to Iran is the fastest method of transport and ensures high safety standards.
How much does air freight to Iran typically cost?
The cost of air freight to Iran is usually based on the weight and size of the cargo, its type, place of origin, and how fast it is needed.
What documents are required for air freight to Iran?
For airfreight to Iran, a commercial invoice and packing list will have to be prepared along with an AWB (airway bill) and, if insured, a certificate of insurance.
Are there any restrictions on goods sent via air freight to Iran?
Yes, certain sanctions or local laws govern air freight to Iran. Some of the forbidden items include alcoholic beverages, pork-related food products, and other politically sensitive material.
Conclusion
No other mode of transport is more effective for shipping goods to Iran than air freight. This is because of the safety and speed factors involved.
Business and private clients benefit immensely from the smooth coordination of logistics operations thanks to adept freight forwarders who are well-versed in Iranian customs.