Sabzevar National Airport

Sabzevar Airport (IATA: AFZ, ICAO: OIMS) sits 4 kilometres off the Tehran–Mashhad highway, connected by a straight road that leads to a single entry gate. Opened in February 2003 with a nominal capacity of 255,000 passengers per year, the airport was designed to serve the city of Sabzevar and the surrounding Khorasan region. However, as of recent years, the airport has been closed to commercial traffic, with no passenger operations and restricted access. The terminal remains intact but inactive, a quiet reminder of a busier past. Despite its closure, the airport remains a reference point for travelers passing through the area. For those planning to use the airport, the first and most critical step is to confirm whether operations have resumed, as the current status is not consistently reflected in online schedules.

Getting There

Sabzevar Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres southeast of the city centre. The main access route is a 4-km road that branches off the Tehran–Mashhad highway (Road 87) to the right when approaching from Sabzevar. Follow this road until it ends at the airport's entrance gate. By car from central Sabzevar, the drive takes about 15–20 minutes in normal traffic. Taxis are available in the city; a one-way trip typically costs around 150,000–200,000 Iranian rials (subject to negotiation and fuel prices). Public buses do not directly serve the airport, so private transport is the only practical option. If flying out, arrange a taxi well in advance, as ride-hailing apps are not widely available in this region. The highway is well-maintained, and the turn-off is marked with a small sign, though it may be easy to miss in the dark. Given the airport's closure status, you will likely not need to make this trip for a flight, but if operations restart, the access is straightforward.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at Sabzevar Airport is compact and designed for efficiency. On the ground floor, the check-in area, security screening, and departure lounge are arranged in a linear flow. The facility includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it usable for passengers with mobility needs. A single toilet is available, though in the current closed state, maintenance is uncertain. The departure lounge has seating for about 50 people, with windows overlooking the apron. There are no shops, restaurants, or duty-free outlets; any food or drink should be purchased in Sabzevar before arrival. The atmosphere during its operational days was calm and unhurried, with minimal queues. However, given the closure, anyone arriving at the terminal will find locked doors and an empty building. If the airport reopens, expect a basic but functional experience: one or two check-in counters, a small waiting area, and manual security checks. The IATA code AFZ is displayed on the terminal facade.

Sabzevar Airport and Sabzevar

Sabzevar itself is a city of around 240,000 people in Razavi Khorasan Province, historically an important stop on the Silk Road. Its name derives from the Persian for “green place” – a reference to the lush orchards and gardens that once surrounded it. Today, Sabzevar is known for its agricultural products, particularly pistachios, saffron, and dried fruits, as well as its historical sites. The city’s main attraction is the Jameh Mosque of Sabzevar, a 10th-century structure with intricate brickwork. The nearby Sabzevar Bazaar offers a lively market experience, selling local handicrafts and produce. The city is also a gateway to several natural sites, including the forests of the Kharv mountains and the seasonal salt lakes east of the city. Sabzevar University (also known as Hakim Sabzevari University) adds a youthful energy and a modest cultural scene. Despite the lack of a five-star hotel, several decent lodgings exist in the city centre, such as the Sabzevar Parsian Hotel and traditional guesthouses. The absence of international tourist infrastructure means visitors experience a more authentic slice of provincial Iranian life. The airport’s closure has limited Sabzevar’s connectivity, but the city remains accessible by road from Mashhad (about 2.5 hours east) and from Tehran (about 7 hours west). For most travelers, the airport is historically interesting but not currently functional; however, if flights ever resume, it would significantly boost Sabzevar’s accessibility for business and tourism.

Practical Information

• Status: Sabzevar Airport is currently closed to all commercial traffic. There is one weekly flight to Tehran (operated by Iran Air or another carrier) that has been suspended; check the official website https://saman.aero/fa/airport/sabzevar for updates.
• Phone: +98 51 4444 9100 (may not be answered due to closure).
• Hours: Before closure, the airport was open only during flight times (typically Monday 7 am, Tuesday 2 pm, Wednesday 10 pm, Thursday 12 pm – but these are no longer valid).
• Wheelchair access: Yes, but only if terminal reopens.
• Toilets: One in terminal.
• Tips: Before making any travel plans involving Sabzevar Airport, call the number or check the website to confirm operational status. If the airport remains closed, use Mashhad International Airport (MHD) as your alternative, about 200 km east via the highway. Driving from Mashhad alone is feasible. If you are in Sabzevar and need to fly, a taxi to Mashhad airport costs around 1.5–2 million rials and takes 2.5 hours.