Since its establishment in 2005 (1384 in the Iranian calendar), Flytoday has developed into one of the most significant online travel service providers in Iran. The Tehran-based private company has steadily expanded its portfolio, offering a wide spectrum of services thatrange from domestic and international flights to hotels, train travel, tours, and complementary travel solutions. Over nearly two decades of operations, the platform has played a central role in reshaping how Iranians plan, book, and manage their journeys.

Origins and Development

The idea for Flytoday was born out of a growing need for simplicity and reliability in the process of booking travel services. At the time of its founding, online travel services were not widely available in Iran, and many travelers relied on traditional agencies or limited digital options. The company’s founders identified a gap: Iranian travelers often faced difficulties in accessing international booking systems, particularly because of restrictions related to payments and limited connectivity to global providers.

In response, Flytoday invested in building technical infrastructures that could link directly to global distribution systems while remaining tailored to the local market. This early strategy of bridging international resources with domestic accessibility allowed the platform to gain traction quickly. By aligning with both local and international suppliers, Flytoday created an online environment where users could find multiple travel solutions in one place.

Range of Services

Today, the company provides an extensive array of travel services. Its offerings include:

- Flight tickets: Access to both domestic and international airlines, with coverage of more than 900 carriers.

- Hotels and accommodations: Over 1.5 million booking options worldwide, expanding recently to more than 2.5 million according to company reports.

- Rail travel: Online ticket reservations across Iran’s rail network.

- Tours and vacation packages: Domestic and international tours tailored to a range of budgets and preferences.

- Visa services: Assistance with applications to destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, China, Russia, and Thailand.

- Travel insurance: Available both as a standalone service and integrated with flight bookings.

- Complementary services: Airport CIP lounge reservations, international ride-hailing (bookable in rials), eSIM purchases for connectivity abroad, and city tours in more than 3,200 destinations.

The company’s mobile application and website provide the central platforms for these services, allowing customers to book in real time. This digital-first approach has made Flytoday not only a booking channel but also a central tool for planning and managing entire trips.

Market Position in Iran

In the context of Iran’s digital tourism market, Flytoday has become a reference point for many travelers. While global online travel agencies are often inaccessible due to sanctions, currency limitations, or language barriers, Flytoday has established itself by localizing solutions. Its ability to process payments in Iranian rials, provide Persian-language customer support, and integrate with both local and international suppliers has set it apart from competitors.

Company data from 2023–2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar) indicates substantial growth across all service categories. Flight sales rose by 77 percent compared to the previous year, while hotel reservations increased by 53 percent. Train ticket bookings also registered a 30 percent rise. These figures illustrate Flytoday’s role as a consistent performer in a turbulent economic environment.

The company has also emphasized customer engagement. In 2023, its website recorded more than 300 million visits, with users spending over four million cumulative hours on the platform. The mobile application surpassed 1.15 million installations, positioning it as one of the most widely used travel apps in the country.

Innovation and First-to-Market Solutions

Flytoday has distinguished itself by introducing several services for the first time in the Iranian market. Notable examples include:

- International ride-hailing reservations: Launched in late 2023, allowing users to book taxis in over 70 countries and 10,500 cities while paying in rials.

- Travel eSIM purchases: Integrated directly into the mobile app, enabling travelers to secure mobile data before departure.

- City tours and attractions abroad: With more than 7,500 options in 3,200 locations worldwide, this service extends the travel experience beyond transportation and accommodation.

- Airport CIP services: Introduced to meet rising demand for premium airport facilities, with more than 1,700 requests processed in 2023 alone.

These innovations reflect Flytoday’s strategy of positioning itself not only as a booking tool but as a full-service ecosystem for travel. By combining essential services with value-added options, the platform has been described in industry commentary as a “super-app for travel” in the Iranian market.

Response to Crises

Flytoday’s operational capacity has been tested during times of disruption. During the nationwide wave of flight cancellations in the summer of 2025 (1404), the company processed over 500,000 refund requests and returned more than 1.5 trillion Iranian rials to customers. Handling more than 200,000 phone calls and 140,000 instant messages in that period, the company highlighted its ability to maintain customer trust during large-scale crises.

Such responsiveness has been considered significant in a market where service failures can quickly erode consumer confidence. By prioritizing transparent refund processes and high-volume customer support, Flytoday underscored its resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

Outlook and Future Direction

As of 2023–2024, Flytoday reported more than three million active users. Its growing customer base and consistent rise in transaction volumes reflect both the demand for online travel solutions and the company’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Looking forward, the platform has outlined a strategy centered on continuous technological improvement, user experience optimization, and the expansion of complementary services. Industry observers note that Flytoday’s trajectory aligns with global travel trends, including increased reliance on digital platforms, demand for personalized services, and the integration of artificial intelligence in customer support.

In Iran, where travel options are shaped by unique constraints, Flytoday’s localized yet globally connected model has positioned it as a distinctive player. Its sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation, and customer engagement suggests that the company will remain a key contributor to the country’s evolving travel landscape.