The State Airports Company (SAC) has revealed it is in talks with an unnamed local investor to redevelop the site in Markazi province, southwest of the capital.

The move follows plans to privatise Ramsar Airport. The SAC admits that Arak has one the lowest levels of passenger numbers among Iran’s airports, but the government hopes that an influx of private cash can transform it into a thriving, profitable enterprise.

All operations at the airport, with the exception of flight safety, security, control and senior management, will be handed over to the private sector.

A further 20 airports with poor traffic figures around the country are being lined up for similar deals.