In 2015, Mehrabad Airport handled 132,245 aircraft movements, transported 111,107,822 kilograms of cargo, and served 16,327,359 passengers. These statistics demonstrate its considerable importance to Iran’s transportation network. Although Tehran now has another major international airport, Mehrabad continues to play an essential role in connecting the capital with cities throughout the country.
Historical Background of Mehrabad
The history of Mehrabad Airport begins with the village that gave it its name. Originally, the village was known as Hossein-Abad and was owned by Haji Mirza Aghasi, the Grand Vizier to Mohammad Shah Qajar. Haji Mirza Aghasi later gifted the property to Naser al-Din Shah, who ruled Iran during the Qajar dynasty.
The land subsequently became part of the dowry of the Shah’s daughter, Esmat-ol-Dowleh, who married Dust Mohammad Mo’ayyer-ol-Mamalek. Following this transfer, the property became known as Mehr-Abad. The name therefore has historical connections to the royal family and the ownership of land in the area.
Over time, the property experienced several changes in ownership. Due to Dust Mohammad Khan’s excessive spending, Mehr-Abad was reportedly mortgaged and eventually lost to the Mo’ayyer-ol-Mamalek family. Dust-Ali Mo’ayyeri, the son of Dust Mohammad Khan, later appealed to Reza Shah in an attempt to recover the property, but the appeal was unsuccessful.
