Gateway to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Opened
1987
Location
Erbil, Iraq
Erbil International Airport (EBL/ORER) serves Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and is one of the busiest airports in the country. It handles both international and domestic flights, connecting the Kurdistan Region to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
The airport underwent significant expansions in the 2000s and 2010s to accommodate rapid growth in passenger traffic driven by economic development and oil industry activity in the Kurdistan Region. It operates as a civilian international facility under the authority of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
In September 2017, the Iraqi federal government ordered the closure of the airport to international flights following the Kurdistan independence referendum, disrupting travel significantly. The airport reopened to international traffic in March 2018 after negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad.
Terminals
The airport has a main international terminal and a separate domestic terminal serving passenger operations.
Getting to & from
Ground transport from the airport to central Erbil is primarily by taxi and private vehicle, as the city lacks a formal public bus or rail link to the airport.
Airlines here
Major carriers serving Erbil include FlyBaghdad, Iraqi Airways, Turkish Airlines, flydubai, Qatar Airways, and Pegasus Airlines, among others.
Notable facts
- ›Located approximately 7 kilometers from central Erbil.
- ›Closed to international flights from September 2017 to March 2018 following the Kurdish independence referendum.
- ›Operates under the jurisdiction of the Kurdistan Regional Government rather than the Iraqi federal government.
- ›The airport saw a major boom in traffic during the 2010s oil boom in the Kurdistan Region.
- ›Has an elevation of approximately 1,341 feet (409 meters) above sea level.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
