Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is open as of 10 September 2026, and Iraqi airspace remains open to arriving, departing and overflying civil traffic. Commercial services are operating, although individual flights can be cancelled or changed at short notice.
Iraqi aviation officials said on 8 September that the Baghdad Flight Information Region remained operational and that alternative air routes were being used during regional tensions. The renewed regional escalation on 9 September did not lead to an announced closure of BGW or Iraqi airspace. Travellers should still confirm the operating carrier, flight number and departure time directly with the airline before going to the airport.
Current Airport Status
| Facility | Current position | What travellers should know |
|---|---|---|
| Baghdad International Airport | Open | Commercial passenger flights are operating. Confirm the specific flight before travelling to BGW. |
| Iraqi airspace (Baghdad FIR/ORBB) | Open to inbound and outbound flights | Short-notice restrictions or closures remain possible. |
| EASA position | High-risk airspace warning | Active CZIB-2026-05 recommends that affected operators do not use Iraqi airspace at any altitude. |
Airport access and the flight timetable are separate issues. An open airport does not guarantee that a particular airline or route will operate.
Why Baghdad Flights Can Change Quickly
Iraqi airspace and Baghdad International Airport remain open after the 9 September regional escalation. No Iraq-specific authority or airline notice reviewed for this update announced a new closure, suspension or terminal restriction at BGW.
Conflict-related aviation risk remains high because missile and drone activity, active air defences and armed groups can affect the Baghdad FIR. EASA’s Iraq-specific CZIB-2026-05-R1 recommends that affected operators do not use Iraqi airspace at any altitude and is valid until 30 September 2026 unless reviewed earlier. It is not an announcement that BGW itself is closed.
Airlines and Booking Checks
Published schedules and the 10 September flight board show domestic and international services at BGW. The examples below indicate current route availability, but a listing is not proof that a flight will operate. Recheck the specific service directly with the airline.
| Airline channel | What was shown | Operating-carrier check |
|---|---|---|
| Iraqi Airways | Domestic and international Baghdad services remain listed through the airline’s official booking channel. | Iraqi Airways |
| flydubai | Its official booking channel lists Baghdad–Dubai services. | flydubai |
| Turkish Airlines | Its official booking channel lists Baghdad–Istanbul services. | Turkish Airlines |
This is not a complete list. A flight may be sold under a partner airline’s code while another carrier operates the aircraft. Check the words “operated by” on your booking confirmation rather than relying only on the marketing airline or flight number.
Use Wego’s BGW flight tracker for schedule information, then confirm the final status on the operating airline’s website or app.
Before Travelling to BGW
- Confirm the flight twice: check with the operating airline before leaving for the airport and again close to departure.
- Check the route to the airport: routes in and out of Baghdad and BGW may close with little or no notice.
- Keep documents and essentials ready: carry valid travel documents, essential medicines and the airline’s current contact details.
- Follow official alerts: monitor Iraqi authorities, your embassy and the operating airline for changes.
If your flight is cancelled, rebooking, refund, rerouting and accommodation rights depend on the airline, fare rules, ticket issuer and applicable passenger-rights law. Contact the seller shown on your ticket before buying a replacement flight.
Government Travel Advisories
Official advice differs by nationality. Check the advice issued for your passport and circumstances before deciding whether to travel.
| Authority | Baghdad guidance | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Against all but essential travel to Baghdad province, except Sadr City | FCDO advises against all travel to Sadr City. |
| United States | Level 4: Do Not Travel | US government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using BGW. |
| Canada | Avoid all travel | The advisory cites the volatile regional security situation. |
| Australia | Do not travel | Smartraveller says Iraqi airspace has reopened but commercial flights remain limited. |
Travel insurance is policy-dependent. Travelling against government advice, armed-conflict exclusions, the date the policy was purchased and the reason for cancellation may all affect cover. Read the policy wording and obtain written confirmation from the insurer before relying on it.
Airport Access and Ground Travel
Routes to and from BGW can close without notice. If travel is essential, arrange transport through a trusted local contact, employer, hotel or security provider and confirm the route shortly before departure. Do not rely on a fixed journey time.
Land borders may also close at short notice. Check the border’s current status, entry rules and security conditions with official authorities before attempting an overland journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baghdad International Airport open?
Yes. BGW and Iraqi airspace are open as of 10 September 2026, and commercial passenger flights are operating. Individual flights can still change or be cancelled at short notice.
Is Iraqi airspace open?
Yes. Iraqi aviation officials said on 8 September that the Baghdad FIR remained operational, and no closure was announced after the regional escalation on 9 September. Short-notice restrictions remain possible.
Which airlines are flying from Baghdad?
Limited services are available, including listings on Iraqi Airways, flydubai and Turkish Airlines channels. Check the operating carrier shown on your booking and confirm the exact flight directly before travel.
Will I receive a refund if my Baghdad flight is cancelled?
It depends on the airline, fare rules, ticket issuer, reason for cancellation and applicable law. Ask the ticket seller about refund or rebooking options before purchasing replacement travel.
Will travel insurance cover a trip to Iraq?
Coverage depends on the policy. Government travel advice, armed-conflict exclusions and when the policy was bought may affect a claim. Check the exact wording with the insurer.
What does EASA say about Iraqi airspace?
EASA’s active Iraq-specific CZIB-2026-05-R1 recommends that affected operators do not operate in the Baghdad FIR at any altitude. The bulletin is valid until 30 September 2026 unless reviewed earlier.
Sources
- Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority reopening statement via the Iraqi Media Network
- Qatar News Agency – Iraq Announces Reopening of Airspace to Air Traffic
- EASA – Airspace of Iraq, CZIB-2026-05
- Australia Smartraveller – Iraq
- UK FCDO – Iraq Travel Advice
- US Department of State – Iraq Travel Advisory
- Government of Canada – Iraq Travel Advice
- Iraqi Airways
- flydubai – Flights from Baghdad
- Turkish Airlines – Flights from Baghdad
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
