Birjand International Airport

Birjand Shahid Kaveh International Airport (XBJ) sits on the eastern edge of Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan Province in eastern Iran. Opened in 1933, it is the country's third-oldest airport, after Qale Morghi in Tehran and Bushehr Airport. The airport was built under Reza Shah's modernization efforts, promoted by local notable Mohammad Ebrahim Alam. Its political and strategic location near the Afghan border has given it an importance beyond its small size. Today, it handles a limited number of domestic flights and occasional international charters. The terminal is compact, and services are basic. For travellers, Birjand Airport offers a direct connection to a region rich in history and culture, but the experience can be rough around the edges.

Getting There

Birjand Airport lies about 5 kilometres southeast of the city centre. Driving time from the main square is roughly 10 minutes, but traffic is rarely heavy. There is no public bus service to the airport. Access is limited to taxis and private cars. Airport taxis are expensive—typically two to three times the price of regular city taxis. Online ride-hailing apps like Snapp or Tapsi operate in Birjand, but they are not available at the airport due to restrictions. Most passengers end up paying the high airport taxi fare. If you are staying at a hotel, ask them to arrange a private car in advance; it will likely be cheaper. The airport does not have long-term parking, but a small car park is available for short stays. Given that flights often depart early in the morning (busiest times include Monday 7 am, Tuesday 6 am, Thursday 6 am), plan your arrival accordingly. Roads are well-maintained, but during winter months, fog can occasionally cause delays.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building is a single-story structure that handles both arrivals and departures on one floor. The entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and there is a designated car park for passengers with disabilities. Inside, the atmosphere is utilitarian. The check-in area has a few counters, and there is a small waiting hall. Services inside the terminal are poor: there is a tiny shop that sells snacks and drinks, but the selection is limited and prices are high. The toilets are a common complaint—they are old, often dirty, and lack proper maintenance. Plan to use the restroom before arriving if possible. For departing passengers, the boarding process is unusual: after entering the departure lounge, you must walk across the apron to the aircraft. There is no jet bridge or bus transfer. The walk can be long, especially in extreme summer heat or winter cold. Allow extra time. Security screening is basic and quick, but the lack of amenities means you should bring your own food and water. There is no lounge, no duty-free shop, and no Wi-Fi. The overall impression is that of a functional but neglected facility.

Birjand Shahid Kaveh International Airport and Birjand

Birjand itself is a city with a deep history, dating back to the Sassanid era. It was an important stop on the Silk Road and later a centre of trade and culture in eastern Iran. The airport's existence has shaped the city's connectivity, though flights are limited. Most travellers come to Birjand for one of two reasons: visiting family or exploring the region's unique attractions. The most famous site is Akbarieh Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage property that typifies the Persian garden design. The garden features a mansion, water pools, and ancient cypress trees. Another highlight is the Shokatiyeh School, a historic building that now houses a museum. The old bazaar of Birjand, with its brick vaults and caravanserais, offers a glimpse into the city's mercantile past. Outside the city, the surrounding South Khorasan Province is known for its desert landscapes, such as the Lut Desert (also a UNESCO site), and the villages of Makhunik with their troglodyte houses. The region's economy relies on agriculture (saffron, barberry, and pomegranates) and small-scale mining. For the adventurous, Birjand is a base for trips to the Afghan border towns of Mahirud and Sarbisheh. However, the airport's limited routes—mostly to Tehran and Mashhad—mean that many visitors arrive by road instead. The airport's historical significance as one of Iran's first paved runways is a point of pride locally, but the lack of investment shows. Travelers who pass through Birjand Airport often remark on its contrast with the rich culture just outside its doors.

Practical Information

Birjand Shahid Kaveh International Airport (IATA: XBJ, ICAO: OIMB) is not open 24 hours a day. Its operating hours align with flight schedules, which are sparse. Most flights are early morning or late evening. The airport is closed for extended periods when no flights are scheduled. There is no official website, but flight information can be found through Iran Air or other domestic carriers. Contact the airline for specific times. The airport has wheelchair-accessible entrances and toilets, but the toilets themselves are poorly maintained. Advice: Use the restroom at your hotel before departing. For boarding, be prepared to walk across the apron. Dress appropriately for weather extremes. Bring snacks and water. If arriving late at night or early morning, pre-arrange a taxi from the city—your hotel can help—because airport taxis are expensive. One final tip: if you have a choice, avoid flights that arrive or depart during the busiest periods (Monday 7 am, Tuesday 6 am, Wednesday 8 pm, Thursday 6 am) to minimise crowding and delays. The airport's small size means that even a few extra passengers can create bottlenecks.