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List of Airports in Iraq

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As of 2024, there are 14 airports throughout the country of Iraq according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Iraq are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.

Airports in Iraq

List of All Airports in Iraq

# Airport Abbreviation Location Size
1 Al Muthana Airport BGW Baghdad Small
2 Al Najaf International Airport NJF Najaf Small
3 Baghdad International Airport SDA Baghdad Small
4 Balad Airport XQC Balad Small
5 Bamerny Airport BMN Bamerny Small
6 Baqubah Airport XQV Baqubah Small
7 Basra International Airport BSR Basra Small
8 Erbil International Airport EBL Erbil Small
9 Khan Al Baghdadi Airport XIH Khan Al Baghdadi Small
10 Kirkuk Airport KIK Kirkuk Small
11 Mosul Airport OSM Mosul Small
12 Nasiriyah Airport XNH Nasiriyah Small
13 Ramidi Airport XTM Ramadi Small
14 Tikrit Airport XTV Tikrit Small

Major Airports in Iraq

1. Baghdad International Airport (BGW)

Airport Code: BGW

Time Zone: UTC +3 (Arabian Standard Time)

Address: Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq

Nearby Cities:

  • Baghdad (8 miles)
  • Kadhimiyah (10 miles)
  • Sadr City (15 miles)
  • Al-Mada’in (20 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Iraqi Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Flynas
  • Middle East Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 6-7 million passengers annually.

Airport Location and History

Baghdad International Airport (BGW), formerly known as Al-Rashid Airport, is located 16 kilometers west of Baghdad, Iraq’s capital. The airport opened in 1982 and was originally built to serve both civil and military aviation needs. It has played a significant role in Iraq’s international connectivity and has been vital for both passengers and freight. The airport’s operations have been impacted by the country’s turbulent history, particularly during the Gulf War in the 1990s and the Iraq War in the 2000s, which resulted in periods of closure or reduced capacity.

In the aftermath of the Iraq War, Baghdad International underwent significant repairs and improvements. Despite security challenges, BGW has remained Iraq’s primary international airport and a key hub for regional flights. It is a critical gateway for both Iraqi citizens and international visitors, and it handles traffic to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Over the years, the airport has seen gradual improvements in its infrastructure, including the renovation of passenger terminals, improvements in security, and the construction of new facilities to handle increased passenger demand. Baghdad International Airport plays an essential role in connecting Iraq to the outside world, particularly for international diplomatic missions, humanitarian work, and trade.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Baghdad International Airport is the largest airport in Iraq, with several facilities aimed at improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

  • Runways:
    • Runway 33/15: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), Asphalt
    • Runway 34/16: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), Asphalt

The two runways at BGW are long enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, making it suitable for long-haul international flights. The airport also has modern terminal facilities with check-in counters, duty-free shopping, lounges, and restaurants. While the infrastructure has been gradually modernized, BGW faces ongoing challenges due to its location in a region with fluctuating security conditions.

Baghdad International Airport has a single main terminal that serves both international and domestic flights, and its cargo facilities are crucial for moving goods in and out of the country. While the airport has expanded its services and infrastructure in recent years, it still faces limitations compared to airports in more stable regions.

2. Erbil International Airport (EBL)

Airport Code: EBL

Time Zone: UTC +3 (Arabian Standard Time)

Address: Erbil International Airport, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Nearby Cities:

  • Erbil (6 miles)
  • Sulaymaniyah (80 miles)
  • Dohuk (90 miles)
  • Kirkuk (85 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Flydubai
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Jordanian
  • Lufthansa
  • Pegasus Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Around 1.5 million passengers annually.

Airport Location and History

Erbil International Airport (EBL) is located in the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, approximately 6 miles from the city center of Erbil. The airport opened in 2005 and quickly became the major gateway to northern Iraq. Its location is particularly important given the political and security situation in the region, as it offers a safe and stable alternative for international flights compared to Baghdad and other Iraqi airports.

The airport began with limited capacity but has expanded significantly over the years. Its construction was part of the Kurdish Regional Government’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and promote economic growth in the region. Erbil International has become a hub for travelers to the Kurdish region and serves as an important base for both international and regional flights. It is also used as a key logistical point for trade, particularly in relation to oil exports from the Kurdistan region.

Erbil has seen steady growth in passenger traffic, with the Kurdistan region attracting international business and tourism, especially from Turkey, the Middle East, and Europe. The airport is one of Iraq’s most modern and busiest, despite the challenges posed by regional instability.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Erbil International Airport is well-equipped for both passenger and cargo operations.

  • Runways:
    • Runway 12/30: 3,200 meters (10,499 feet), Asphalt

The runway is long enough to handle wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, facilitating both regional and international flights. The airport has one main terminal that handles both domestic and international flights, with modern amenities, including lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Erbil International Airport has significantly improved its security and passenger facilities in recent years, making it one of Iraq’s most advanced airports.

The airport also features a cargo terminal that supports regional trade and logistical operations, and it continues to expand its services to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. Despite political challenges, Erbil remains a key hub in northern Iraq, with the airport playing an essential role in connecting the region to the wider world.

3. Basra International Airport (BSR)

Airport Code: BSR

Time Zone: UTC +3 (Arabian Standard Time)

Address: Basra International Airport, Basra, Iraq

Nearby Cities:

  • Basra (8 miles)
  • Nasiriyah (90 miles)
  • Amara (70 miles)
  • Baghdad (300 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Iraqi Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Flydubai
  • Pegasus Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 1 million passengers annually.

Airport Location and History

Basra International Airport (BSR) is located in the southern part of Iraq, near the city of Basra, which is Iraq’s second-largest city and a vital economic center due to its proximity to the Persian Gulf. The airport is located about 8 miles from the city center and has been operational since 1977. It serves as the main gateway to the southern region of Iraq and is essential for both passenger and cargo transport.

The airport’s history includes periods of inactivity and limitations during the Iraq War and the subsequent years of instability. However, Basra International has gradually recovered and has become an increasingly important hub for the southern part of the country. The airport is key for connecting Basra and the surrounding areas to the Middle East, particularly to countries such as Qatar, the UAE, and Turkey.

In recent years, Basra has experienced significant reconstruction, including upgrades to the airport’s terminals and infrastructure, to handle growing passenger and cargo traffic. This has been part of a broader effort to improve the region’s infrastructure and support economic recovery after years of conflict.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Basra International Airport has been upgraded to handle increasing traffic and modern aircraft.

  • Runways:
    • Runway 14/32: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), Asphalt

The airport’s runway is capable of handling medium- to large-sized aircraft, including wide-body jets such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. Basra International has one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights, with basic amenities such as duty-free shops, lounges, and restaurants. The airport’s cargo facilities also support the region’s oil industry, which is critical to Iraq’s economy.

The airport has faced challenges in the past, particularly with regards to security and infrastructure, but it continues to improve as Basra itself modernizes. The airport is expected to play an increasingly important role in connecting Iraq’s southern region to the rest of the world.

4. Sulaymaniyah International Airport (SUY)

Airport Code: SUY

Time Zone: UTC +3 (Arabian Standard Time)

Address: Sulaymaniyah International Airport, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Nearby Cities:

  • Sulaymaniyah (10 miles)
  • Erbil (100 miles)
  • Kirkuk (160 miles)
  • Baghdad (210 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Iraqi Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Flynas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Pegasus Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 500,000 passengers annually.

Airport Location and History

Sulaymaniyah International Airport (SUY) is located in the city of Sulaymaniyah, in the northeastern part of Iraq, and serves as an important gateway for the Kurdish region. The airport opened in 2005, in line with efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government to modernize infrastructure and promote regional development. Sulaymaniyah is one of Iraq’s major cultural and economic centers, and the airport has played an essential role in supporting both domestic and international travel to the region.

Like other airports in Iraq, Sulaymaniyah International has faced challenges, including security concerns, but it has also benefited from relative stability in the Kurdistan region. The airport has experienced gradual improvements over the years, including expansions of its terminals and facilities.

The airport serves as a hub for the Kurdish population, offering flights to major cities in the Middle East and beyond, and it also serves as a base for regional tourism and business. Sulaymaniyah International has become increasingly important for connecting the Kurdish region to global destinations, facilitating trade, tourism, and political exchanges.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Sulaymaniyah International Airport is a smaller airport compared to others in Iraq but is well-equipped for regional flights.

  • Runways:
    • Runway 06/24: 3,200 meters (10,499 feet), Asphalt

The runway is capable of handling medium- to large-sized aircraft, including wide-body planes, but it is primarily used for regional traffic. The airport features a modern terminal with amenities like duty-free shops, lounges, and cafes. Sulaymaniyah International is crucial for linking the Kurdistan region with other parts of Iraq and the Middle East, and it continues to expand its capacity to meet growing demand.

Despite challenges in Iraq’s broader geopolitical situation, Sulaymaniyah has experienced relative stability and growth, making its airport an essential part of the region’s infrastructure.

5. Najaf International Airport (NJF)

Airport Code: NJF

Time Zone: UTC +3 (Arabian Standard Time)

Address: Najaf International Airport, Najaf, Iraq

Nearby Cities:

  • Najaf (5 miles)
  • Kufa (8 miles)
  • Karbala (45 miles)
  • Baghdad (100 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Iraqi Airways
  • Flynas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Saudi Arabian Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 2 million passengers annually.

Airport Location and History

Najaf International Airport (NJF) serves the city of Najaf, one of Iraq’s most important religious and historical centers, particularly for Shiite Muslims. The airport is situated about 5 miles from the city center and is one of the major gateways for religious pilgrims visiting Najaf. Opened in 2008, the airport was part of a broader effort to modernize Iraq’s infrastructure and facilitate easier access for pilgrims traveling to holy sites in Iraq.

The airport has grown in importance over the years, particularly as Najaf has become a key destination for both religious tourism and business. Najaf International handles flights from regional carriers, especially those from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Gulf countries, bringing pilgrims and visitors to the city.

The airport has undergone various upgrades, particularly in its terminal and security facilities, to handle the large influx of passengers, especially during religious events and pilgrimage seasons.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Najaf International is a modern regional airport that has steadily grown in capacity and facilities.

  • Runways:
    • Runway 08/26: 3,200 meters (10,499 feet), Asphalt

The runway is sufficient to accommodate wide-body aircraft, although the airport mainly handles regional flights and short-haul services. The terminal is equipped with standard amenities such as restaurants, duty-free shopping, and lounges. The airport has also made strides in improving its services for pilgrims, including dedicated facilities to accommodate the influx of religious tourists during peak seasons.

Najaf International plays a critical role in supporting the religious tourism industry in Iraq, and it continues to expand its infrastructure to meet growing demand.

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