Overview
Iraq is slowly opening up to curious travellers, from the ancient ziggurats of the south to the green mountains of the Kurdistan Region. This hub covers every Iraqi city we fly to, so you can compare routes into Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, Najaf and Sulaymaniyah in one place. There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Iraq, but a single connection through a major hub makes the journey manageable. Use the price charts on this page to see how fares move through the year before you commit.
Best time to fly to Iraq
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable months, with warm days and cooler evenings across most of the country. Summers are extremely hot, regularly passing 45C in Baghdad and Basra, so fares can soften in July and August if you can handle the heat. Winters are mild in the lowlands and genuinely cold in the northern mountains, where snow is common.
Main gateway cities & airports
Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is the principal gateway. Erbil (EBL) and Sulaymaniyah (ISU) serve the Kurdistan Region, Basra International Airport (BSR) covers the south and the oil sector, and Najaf International Airport (NJF) is the usual choice for pilgrims heading to Najaf and Karbala.
Airlines and routes
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Royal Jordanian (via Amman), flydubai and Emirates (via Dubai), Middle East Airlines (via Beirut) and Austrian Airlines (via Vienna) all connect the UK with one or more Iraqi airports. Iraqi Airways is the national carrier and links the country with several regional hubs. From London a one-stop trip typically takes around 9 to 12 hours including the connection; from Manchester expect a similar total, usually routed via Istanbul, Dubai or Doha.
Popular places to visit in Iraq
- Erbil Citadel: a UNESCO-listed mound said to be one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places.
- Babylon: the partly restored ruins of the ancient city, near Hillah south of Baghdad.
- Najaf & Karbala: two of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, with vast golden-domed shrines.
- Ur: the great Sumerian ziggurat and reputed birthplace of Abraham, near Nasiriyah.
- Sulaymaniyah: a relaxed cultural city with lively bazaars and the sobering Amna Suraka museum.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Iraq
- Check the When to book chart above and set your dates against the shoulder seasons rather than school holidays.
- Be flexible on your arrival airport: flying into Erbil and travelling on can sometimes beat a fare to Baghdad, or vice versa.
- Choose midweek departures where you can, as Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often cheaper than weekend ones.
- Book two to three months ahead and avoid the Arbaeen pilgrimage and Ramadan peaks for the widest choice.
Travel essentials
Most UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at the main federal airports, while the Kurdistan Region issues its own entry stamp on landing at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah; the two systems are separate, so check the current rules for the areas you plan to visit. Always read the latest FCDO travel advice for Iraq before booking. The currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD); Iraq runs largely on cash and US dollars are widely accepted, so carry clean, newer notes. For the best value, book a couple of months out and use the price charts on this page to time your purchase.
