Sulaimani International Airport in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is on the verge of expanding its international reach with upcoming direct flights to European destinations, following the recent lifting of a two-year flight ban by Turkey. Rebaz Mohammed, the airport’s director, announced this significant development during a press conference, emphasizing that “Turkey’s skies are now open toward Sulaimani.”
The ban’s removal comes after a brief resurgence in tensions between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which had previously influenced flight operations. In mid-October, Turkish authorities chose to reinstate the ban, but just days later, they lifted it, paving the way for resuming air travel from Sulaimani.
On Monday morning, the airport welcomed its first flight from Turkey since the ban was lifted. This flight not only transported passengers to Turkey but also marked a successful round-trip operation, signaling a positive shift for the airport’s operations.
Currently, Turkish Airlines is the sole airline offering flights between Turkey and Sulaimani. However, plans are in place to introduce additional, more affordable airline options, with the goal of operating four flights a week connecting Sulaimani and Istanbul.
Officials believe that the resumption of flights will generate significant economic opportunities, benefiting both the airport and the broader regional economy. The introduction of direct European flights further underscores the airport’s growing importance as a travel hub in the region, offering travelers a greater choice of destinations and contributing to improved local and international connectivity. This development is seen as a hopeful advancement in fostering stronger economic ties and facilitating travel opportunities in the future.