Overview
Erbil (Hewêlêr), capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, crowned by its UNESCO-listed Citadel. For UK travellers it is a hospitable and increasingly accessible destination, with modern hotels, lively bazaars and mountain scenery close by. There are currently no direct flights to Erbil from the UK, so trips connect through a single hub. Use the price charts on this page to compare live fares and see how your dates and routing affect the cost of flights to Erbil from the UK.
Best time to fly to Erbil
Spring (late March to May) and autumn (September to early November) are the most comfortable times to visit, with warm days, cool evenings and green hills around the city. Summer is intensely hot, regularly climbing above 40°C in July and August, while winter is cool and can bring rain, with snow on the surrounding mountains. Fares tend to rise around Newroz (Kurdish New Year, 21 March) and the school holidays, so check the When to book chart above to find quieter, cheaper windows.
Airlines and routes
UK to Erbil is a one-stop trip. Popular options include Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Qatar Airways via Doha, flydubai via Dubai, Austrian Airlines via Vienna and Middle East Airlines via Beirut, with connections from London Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Total journey time is usually around 8 to 12 hours depending on the layover, while actual flying time is roughly six hours. Booking the whole itinerary on one ticket keeps your baggage checked through and protects your connection.
Things to do in Erbil
Compact and walkable at its heart, Erbil rewards a few days of exploring.
- Erbil Citadel: the ancient mound-top fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site at the centre of the city.
- Qaysari Bazaar: a maze of covered lanes selling spices, tea, fabrics and gold below the Citadel.
- Kurdish Textile Museum: a beautifully restored house showcasing tribal rugs and weaving traditions.
- Sami Abdulrahman Park: the city's green lung, popular for evening strolls, boating and picnics.
- Mudhafaria Minaret: a graceful 12th-century minaret standing in Minare Park.
At Erbil International Airport (EBL)
Erbil International Airport lies about 5 km north-west of the centre, a 15-minute drive away. For security, private cars use an outer car park and passengers transfer to the terminal by shuttle bus. Official airport taxis, pre-booked transfers and hotel cars are the usual ways into town; there is no rail link. Agree the fare before setting off and carry small notes in US dollars or Iraqi dinars.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Erbil
- Book roughly two to four months ahead; last-minute one-stop tickets are rarely cheap.
- Fly midweek and avoid Newroz and UK school holidays — use the price charts on this page to compare dates.
- Keep your dates flexible by a day or two, as shifting the outbound or return can cut the fare noticeably.
- Compare hubs: Istanbul, Doha, Dubai and Vienna routings often differ in price for the same trip.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can currently obtain a visa on arrival for the Kurdistan Region (usually 30 days) at Erbil International Airport; this stamp is not valid for onward travel into federal Iraq, which sets its own entry rules. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Iraq before you book and travel, as guidance can change. The currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD), though US dollars are widely accepted; cash is essential as card payments are limited. Carry at least six months' passport validity and arrange comprehensive travel insurance.
