In 1925 (1304 Solar Hijri), the Iranian government granted the German aviation firm Junkers an exclusive right to operate aviation services in Iran. This agreement was part of a broader German-Iranian cooperation in technology and infrastructure—a relationship shaped by Germany’s position outside colonial rivalries and Iran’s desire to avoid British or Russian dominance.
Under this agreement, Junkers began surveying Iranian territory, setting up air routes, and establishing facilities. One of the most important developments came with the selection of Mehrabad as a base for operations.
3.3 Establishment of the Pilot Club and the Birth of Mehrabad Airport
By 1938 (1317 Solar Hijri), Junkers had formally established aviation facilities on the land of Mehrabad, including a pilot club that served civilian and military training purposes. With twenty aircraft based at the site, Mehrabad effectively became the center of Iran’s early aviation.
This marked the birth of Mehrabad Airport, an institution that would soon become synonymous with the country’s aviation history.
4. Mehrabad as Iran’s Aviation Hub
4.1 Early Infrastructure and Strategic Significance
Mehrabad’s location—west of Tehran—was ideal for expansion. The land was relatively flat, sparsely populated, and close enough to the city to serve administrative and commercial needs. Throughout the late 1930s and 1940s, additional runways, hangars, and operational facilities were constructed.
Iran’s entry into the modern aviation age was not only a technological milestone but also a shift in national identity. Air travel symbolized Iran’s emergence from isolation and its commitment to modernization.
