Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Iran

Direct flight routes to Iran

Currently there are no direct flights between Australasia and Iran.

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub offering frequent connections to Tehran, typically 3-4 hour layovers. Modern airport with excellent shopping and dining facilities. Free shuttle service to city center for layovers over 8 hours.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways main hub connecting Australia/NZ to Tehran. Known for efficient transfers averaging 2-3 hours. Features quiet rooms and complimentary city tours for layovers over 8 hours.

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub providing daily flights to multiple Iranian cities. Longer layovers of 5-7 hours common but offers free city tours for extended stops. New airport with extensive lounges and rest areas.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Malaysia Airlines and Iran Air operate connecting flights. Budget-friendly option with typically longer layovers (6-8 hours). Simple transit process and affordable airport hotels.

Time vs money

Multi-stop flights through Middle Eastern hubs typically offer the best value for money. One-stop routes via Dubai or Doha command premium prices but provide shorter total journey times.

Tips and recommendations

• Book layovers of at least 3 hours through Dubai/Doha due to stringent security checks


• Consider breaking journey in Istanbul with 1-2 day stopover at no extra flight cost


• Lowest fares typically found on routes with double stops (e.g., Sydney-KL-Dubai-Tehran)


• Qatar Airways and Emirates offer better baggage allowances than budget carriers


• Book tickets 3-4 months ahead for best rates on Middle Eastern carriers

• Flying via Singapore Airlines to Tehran through Singapore offers excellent value, with fares typically 15-20% lower than direct Gulf carrier options. Their A350-900 service from Singapore to Tehran features a spacious 32″ pitch in Economy, while the SIN-SYD/MEL legs use the comfortable A380.
• Consider Qatar Airways’ daily service via Doha, which consistently offers competitive fares from major Australian cities and provides seamless connections in their modern Hamad International hub. Their Boeing 777-300ER features the carrier’s latest Economy cabin product with 18.5″ seat width.
• Emirates’ double-daily Dubai-Tehran flights connect well with their extensive Australia/NZ network and often feature promotional fares up to 25% below market average. The short 2-hour hop from Dubai to Tehran uses Boeing 777s with reliable on-time performance.
• Turkish Airlines offers an interesting alternative routing through Istanbul, with their generous 23kg x 2 baggage allowance in Economy being particularly attractive for longer stays. Their Australia services operate via Singapore, with total journey times around 24-26 hours.
• Budget-conscious travelers should watch for Malaysia Airlines’ periodic sales on their Kuala Lumpur-Tehran route, which can be combined with their Australia services for significant savings. The drawback is longer connection times in KUL, typically 4-6 hours.

1. Ignoring transit visa requirements Many travelers fail to secure necessary transit visas for common stopover points like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha when flying to Iran from Australia or New Zealand.
2. Booking during Nowruz season Flying during the Iranian New Year (late March) means significantly higher fares and limited seat availability on routes through major hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul.
3. Choosing tight connections in Istanbul The primary gateway to Iran from Australasia is via Istanbul, but booking connections under 3 hours at this massive airport often leads to missed flights and baggage delays.
4. Not verifying IKA airport pickup arrangements Many travelers assume taxis are readily available at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) late at night, but pre-arranged airport transfers are essential as the airport is 45km from the city and night transport options are limited.
5. Booking non-combinable airlines Purchasing separate tickets on non-partner airlines (like Qantas to Dubai then Iran Air to Tehran) leaves passengers without protection for delays or cancellations and requires collecting and rechecking baggage at transit points.

Emirates

Best for: Most convenient connections and highest frequency of flights from Australasia to Iran.

Operates from 8 airports in Australia/NZ to Iran, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane being the major hubs. Single stopover in Dubai offers efficient connections to Tehran and Shiraz. Economy class features generous 32-34 inch seat pitch, comprehensive entertainment system, and well-regarded halal meal service. Passengers consistently rate their Economy experience 4 out of 5, praising the comfortable seats and attentive service.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior onboard service quality and comfort in Economy Class.

Serves 6 Australasian cities, primarily Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, connecting through Doha to Tehran. Economy cabin offers spacious 32-inch seat pitch with adjustable headrests and generous recline. Notable for their award-winning catering and extensive entertainment options. Passengers particularly appreciate the quality of meals and professional crew service.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Best value for money with generous baggage allowance.

Operations from 4 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland) with connections via Istanbul to Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad. Economy class features comfortable seats with 31-inch pitch and praised for their high-quality Turkish and International cuisine. Flying chef service on long-haul routes adds a premium touch to Economy experience.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Most comfortable Economy seat design with fixed-wing headrests.

Connects 5 Australasian cities, mainly Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to Iran via Abu Dhabi. Economy Smart seats offer enhanced lumbar support and adjustable headrest wings. Provides 31-32 inch seat pitch and modern entertainment system. Passengers highlight the quality of service and comfort during long-haul flights.

Smart routing through Asia to reach Iran

Savvy travelers can save significantly on flights from Australia/New Zealand to Iran by leveraging regional Asian carriers instead of booking direct routes with major airlines. This strategy often cuts costs by 20-40% compared to traditional bookings.

Key money-saving tactics

1. Split the journey – Book separate tickets: one from Australia/NZ to Southeast Asian hubs (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok), then another to Iran using regional carriers
2. Utilize budget airlines – AirAsia, Scoot, or Jetstar for the first leg; combine with Middle Eastern carriers like Air Arabia or regional Asian airlines for onward travel
3. Consider alternative airports – Flying into Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International can be pricier than arriving at other Iranian cities like Shiraz or Mashhad
4. Time your bookings – Book the Australia/NZ-Asia leg during sale periods, typically 3-4 months ahead. Book the Asia-Iran segment separately, often cheaper through local online travel agencies

While this approach requires more planning and might mean longer layovers, savings can exceed $800 per round trip. Just ensure sufficient connection time between flights when booking separate tickets.