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Iraq is a land of ancient civilisations and rich cultures and is, therefore, served by some key international airports open to the world. Besides serving travel, these airports in Iraq bear testimony to its development towards global connectivity. From Baghdad to Erbil, these airports serve business travellers as well as tourists and religious pilgrims alike. Each airport offers modern facilities to guarantee a smooth travel experience. Whether for historical exploration, economic ventures, or spiritual journeys, the airports plug the nation into the world.
Major Airports In Iraq
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to the major airports in Iraq, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
1. Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
Photo: Safa.daneshvar / Wikimedia Commons
Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is, at present, Iraq’s principal aviation hub. Originally built in the 1980s, it has been a focal point of Iraq’s geopolitical history, suffering damage during multiple conflicts, including the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. The airport houses both civilian and military operations, with a significant presence of security forces. The runways, operational for large aircraft, have undergone heavy modernisation, and yet there are still challenges, such as airspace restrictions. The VIP Al-Muthana terminal caters to government officials, while the cargo sector of the airport is an important part of trade in Iraq.
Nearby Attractions: Al-Faw Palace, Umm al-Tabul Mosque, Radwaniyah Palace
2. Basra International Airport (BSR)
Photo: Basra-son / Wikimedia Commons
Basra International Airport is among the most strategically significant airports in Iraq. It is based in Basra, 20 km southwest of that city, and is an important gateway for both civilian and military operations. Built in the 1980s, the airport had strategic importance in the Iran-Iraq War, and after being rebuilt heavily after the 2003 Iraq War, it features a single 3,800-meter-long asphalt runway capable of operating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. The passenger terminal, which has been reconstructed according to international standards, mainly operates flights to countries in the Gulf and to Turkey, with Iraqi Airways being the most dominant carrier.
Nearby Attractions: Shatt al-Arab Corniche, Basrah Museum, Basrah Museum
3. Erbil International Airport (EBL)
Photo: Bene Riobó / Wikimedia Commons
Erbil International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Iraq. It has one of the longest runways in the world, measuring 4,800 meters, and allows it to accommodate heavy aircraft such as the Antonov An-225. Since its opening in 2010, it has become an increasingly important aviation hub for the region, with much strategic importance for business, tourism, and humanitarian operations over time. The modern terminal controls more than three million annual passengers through easy access to flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It boasts security through an adjoining military base and extensive surveillance capabilities.
Nearby Attractions: Erbil Citadel, Sami Abdulrahman Park, Kurdish Textile Museum
4. Al Najaf International Airport (NJF)
Photo: Kayhan ERTUGRUL / Wikimedia Commons
Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) is the gateway to one of the most sacred cities in Shia Islam. It is positioned just 10 kilometres from Imam Ali Shrine; hence, the airport is an essential link for the millions of pilgrims visiting Najaf every year. Opened in 2008, NJF has burgeoned with time as it increasingly accommodates many airlines originating from the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. NJF features a state-of-the-art terminal, complete with VIP lounges and duty-free shops, supplementing the needs of both religious tourists and businesspeople.
Nearby Attractions: Imam Ali Shrine, Wadi Al-Salaam, Great Mosque of Kufa
5. Mosul International Airport (OSM)
Photo: Kayhan ERTUGRUL / Wikimedia Commons
Mosul International Airport, located in northern Iraq, is under massive reconstruction after the war years ruined it. It was a very significant transport hub affected by the ISIS-driven fight where runways, terminals, and all infrastructure got badly bombed. To that end, in 2022, Iraq’s government launched an expensive rehabilitation project and awarded the contracts to Turkish companies TAV and 77 Construction to restore it to full service. The renovation should help Mosul economically revive by facilitating passenger and cargo flights, critical for building and commerce.
Nearby Attractions: Mosul Museum, Al-Nouri Mosque, Nineveh Ruins
6. Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU)
Photo: Maj. Juanita Chang / Wikimedia Commons
This airport is used for business and tourism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Opened in 2005, the airport has a length of 3,500 m and a runway capable of landing wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. It has direct flights to Dubai, Istanbul, and Doha that cater to the Kurdish diaspora and international investors. The airport has a modern terminal, simpler immigration procedures, VIP lounges, and support for regional trade with its cargo facilities. The Iraqi government in 2018 interdicted the airport with a temporary ban on flight operations due to the political nuances of the region prevailing then.
Nearby Attractions: Amna Suraka Museum, Azmar Mountain, Slemani Museum
7. Kirkuk International Airport (KIK)
Photo: PCHS-NJROTC / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kirkuk International Airport (IATA: KIK, ICAO: ORKK) is situated in northern Kirkuk city, about 4 km from the downtown area of the city of Kirkuk in northern Iraq. This airport originated in 1951 when the Air Force set it up, using the former military base known as Al-Hurriah. The airport has two runways, one of 2,989.8 m (9,700 ft) in length and another of 2,601.5 m (8,600 ft) in length; runways 13/31 and 14/32. Iraqi Airways runs the flights linking Kirkuk to Ankara, Baghdad, Istanbul, and Baku.
Nearby Attractions: Qishla of Kirkuk, Kirkuk Citadel, Grand Mosque
8. Nasiriyah International Airport (XNH)
Photo: Eli Duke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Nasiriyah International Airport is among the most ambitious construction projects in the Dhi Qar Province, Iraq, and will serve as the new airport there. The project, spanning 16 million square meters, is built up with an area of 2 million square meters. The project includes a passenger terminal, a VIP lounge, a control tower, and a hotel. The airport will then have a 3,400-meter runway for cargo and passenger aeroplane operations. More than 56% of the work is finished in this stage, and by September 2024, there will be more than 450 workers and 120 pieces of machinery on-site.
Nearby Attractions: Ziggurat of Ur, Euphrates River, Marshlands of Mesopotamia
Airports in Iraq serve to improve connectivity for travel purposes, supporting tourism, business, and pilgrimage travel. The airports have modern-day infrastructure and strategic locations where the traveller can make his trip easy. Each airport, such as Baghdad, Basra, or Erbil, has services to guarantee a smooth journey. Plan a trip with TripXL to sort the best route to and from Iraq with ease through its well-connected airports for a hassle-free journey.
Cover Photo: tjdarmstadt / Wikimedia Commons
