International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baghdad International Airport | Baghdad | ORBI | BGW |
| Basra International Airport | Basra | ORMM | BSR |
| Erbil International Airport | Erbil | ORER | EBL |
| Sulaymaniyah International Airport | Sulaymaniyah | ORSU | ISU |
| Al Najaf International Airport | Najaf | ORNI | NJF |
| Mosul International Airport | Mosul | ORBM | OSM |
| Karbala International Airport | Karbala | – | KIB |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Numaniyah Airport | An Numaniyah | ORAN | – |
| Harir Air Base | Harir | ORBR | – |
| Iskandariya Airport | Iskandariya | ORAI | – |
| Karbala Northeast Airport | Karbala | – | – |
| Kirkuk International Airport | Kirkuk | ORKK | KIK |
| Nasiriyah International Airport | Nasiriyah | ORTL | XNH |
| Qasr Tall Mihl Airport | Qasr Tall Mihl | ORQT | – |
| Umm Qasr Airport | Umm Qasr | ORUQ | – |
| Al-Suwaira Air Base | Al-Suwaira | – | – |
| Amarah Air Base | Amarah | – | – |
| Al Rasheed Air Base | Baghdad | – | – |
| Muthenna Air Base | Baghdad | – | – |
| Bamarni Air Base | Bamarni | ORBB | BMN |
| Balad Air Base | Balad | ORBD | – |
| Al Asad Airbase | Hit | ORAA | IQA |
| Al Taqaddum Air Base | Habbaniyah | ORAT | – |
| Jalibah Southeast Air Base | Jalibah | ORJA | – |
| Kaywan (K-1) Air Base | Kirkuk | – | – |
| Ubaydah Bin Al Jarrah Air Base | Kut | ORUB | – |
| Mudaysis Air Base | Nukhayb | – | – |
| Qayyarah Airfield West | Qayyarah | ORQW | – |
| Shaibah Air Base | Shaibah | – | – |
| Camp Taji (Camp Cooke) | Taji | ORTI | – |
| Tal Afar Air Base | Tal Afar | ORTF | – |
| Camp Speicher (Majid al Tamimi Airbase/Tikrit Air Academy) | Tikrit | ORSH | – |
Note: Some airports, such as Karbala International Airport, are under development and may not yet be operational.
Iraq Airports: Modernisation Efforts Boost Travel Capacity
Iraq has several airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports play a key role in connecting Iraq to other countries and facilitating travel within the nation.
There are 13 airports in Iraq, including civil and military facilities. The largest and busiest is Baghdad International Airport, which serves as the main gateway for international flights. Other important airports include Basrah International Airport and Al Najaf International Airport.
For those planning to visit Iraq, these airports offer connections to various destinations. Iraqi Airways is the leading airline in the country, flying to 45 destinations. Travellers can find information about airport codes, locations, and facilities online to help plan their trips to this Middle Eastern nation.
Overview of Iraq’s Air Transport Infrastructure
Iraq’s air transport system includes major international hubs and smaller domestic airports. The country is working to expand and upgrade its aviation facilities to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Major International Airports
Baghdad International Airport is Iraq’s main aviation hub. It serves as a base for Iraqi Airways and hosts 12 airlines flying to 13 destinations. The airport is undergoing modernisation through a public-private partnership.
Mosul International Airport is set to reopen in 2025, improving connectivity in northern Iraq. Other major airports include Basra International Airport in the south and Erbil International Airport in the Kurdistan region.
Domestic Airports and Connectivity
Iraq has several smaller airports serving domestic routes. These include:
- Najaf International Airport
- Sulaymaniyah International Airport
- Kirkuk Airport
Three new airports are expected to open by 2025, enhancing domestic connectivity:
- Al-Nasiriyah International Airport
- Karbala International Airport
- A new airport in Mosul
These additions aim to improve air travel options within Iraq and support regional economic development.
Travel Information for Visitors to Iraq
Travelling to Iraq requires careful planning and awareness of local conditions. Visitors should familiarise themselves with key details about airports, entry requirements, currency, and practical matters to ensure a smooth trip.
Airport Codes and Identifiers
Iraq’s main international airports have unique codes for easy identification:
- Baghdad International Airport (BGW/ORBI)
- Erbil International Airport (EBL/ORER)
- Basra International Airport (BSR/ORMM)
These codes are essential when booking flights or checking travel information. The three-letter code is the IATA identifier, while the four-letter code is the ICAO identifier used by pilots and air traffic control.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Visa on arrival is available for many nationalities at major entry points since March 2021. This includes:
- Baghdad International Airport
- Basra International Airport
- Land borders with Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia
Visitors should check the latest requirements before travel, as rules may change. Some travellers may need to obtain a visa in advance from an Iraqi embassy or consulate.
Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond your planned stay.
Currency and Payments
The official currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it’s wise to check current rates before travel. Major hotels and some shops in cities accept credit cards, but cash is king in most places.
ATMs are available in larger cities, but not always reliable. Bring enough cash for your trip, preferably in US dollars to exchange as needed.
Electricity and Connectivity
Iraq uses 230V AC electricity with Type C and Type G sockets. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use different plugs.
Power cuts are common, so portable chargers are useful. Many hotels have generators for backup power.
Mobile networks cover most urban areas. Buy a local SIM card for affordable data and calls. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and some cafes, but speeds can vary.
Check with your provider about international roaming in Iraq, as coverage may be limited or expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq has several airports serving domestic and international travel. These airports connect Iraq to destinations across the Middle East and beyond.
What is the main international airport in Iraq?
Baghdad International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Iraq. It handles most international flights to and from the country.
The airport opened in 1982 and was formerly known as Saddam International Airport. It serves as the main hub for Iraqi Airways.
How many international airports are there in Iraq?
Iraq has 5 international airports. These are located in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Najaf, and Sulaymaniyah.
The airports vary in size and number of destinations served. Baghdad and Erbil handle the most international traffic.
Which airports in Iraq currently have international flights?
All 5 international airports in Iraq currently operate international flights. These include:
- Baghdad International Airport
- Erbil International Airport
- Basra International Airport
- Najaf International Airport
- Sulaymaniyah International Airport
Flight options within Iraq and to international destinations are available from these airports.
What are the names of major airports operating in Iraq?
The major airports operating in Iraq include:
- Baghdad International Airport
- Erbil International Airport
- Basra International Airport
- Najaf International Airport
- Sulaymaniyah International Airport
- Mosul International Airport
These airports serve both domestic and international routes.
How can one find the flight arrival information for Iraqi airports?
Flight arrival information for Iraqi airports can be found through several methods:
- Check the official airport websites
- Use flight tracking websites or apps
- Contact the airlines directly
- Visit the airport’s information desk
Many airports now offer real-time flight updates online or via mobile apps.
Which is the nearest airport to Baghdad for international travellers?
Baghdad International Airport is the nearest airport to Baghdad for international travellers. It is located about 16 kilometres west of the city centre.
The airport serves as the main gateway to Baghdad and offers connections to numerous international destinations.
