Yes, Erbil International Airport (EBL) is open as of 20 July 2026, with domestic and international flights operating.
However, the airport’s official flight board shows a mix of operating and cancelled services following renewed regional attacks. Confirm your flight directly with your airline before travelling to the airport.
This article covers Erbil Airport’s current status, airlines operating, advisories, and practical rebooking guidance for travelling through EBL.
Current Airport Status
Erbil International Airport is open as of 20 July 2026. Its official flight board shows active arrivals and departures, but several international services are cancelled.
The airport remained open after explosions over Erbil on 15 July, according to its director. After further strikes on 17 July, reports briefly conflicted over whether operations had paused; the airport later said air traffic was continuing. Short-notice disruption remains possible.
EASA’s active Iraq airspace bulletin, issued on 8 July and valid until 31 August unless reviewed earlier, advises affected operators not to use the Baghdad Flight Information Region at any altitude because of conflict-related risks.
Find the best Iraqi Airways promo code on Wego and save up to USD 15 when you book.
The Regional Situation and What It Means for Erbil
The regional security picture remains volatile. Drone and missile attacks affected the Kurdistan Region again in mid-July, and travel advisories warn that strikes and flight cancellations can occur with little notice.
Erbil Airport is operating, but an open airport does not mean every airline or route is running. Check the airport’s official flight board and your airline before leaving for EBL, and follow local security instructions.
Airport Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Erbil International Airport |
| IATA / ICAO Code | EBL / ORER |
| Location | Approximately 6 km northwest of Erbil city centre, Kurdistan Region, Iraq |
| Terminal | 1 passenger terminal |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 4.5 million |
| Runway | 4,800 m x 75 m |
| Opened | 29 April 2005; the current terminal officially opened on 30 March 2011 |
Erbil International Airport is the main air gateway to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The current terminal was completed in 2010 and officially opened in March 2011.
Airlines Operating at Erbil Airport
Operations are mixed. The official Erbil Airport flight board for 20 July shows Iraqi Airways, Qatar Airways and UR Airlines flights operating, with flydubai and Air Arabia services scheduled. It also lists cancellations by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Eurowings.
This is a same-day snapshot, not a guarantee for later departures. Check the official board and your airline for your specific flight.
| Airline | Latest verified position |
|---|---|
| Iraqi Airways | Operating or scheduled services to Baghdad, Basra, Amman and Istanbul appeared on the 20 July board. |
| Qatar Airways | Doha arrival and departure operated on 20 July. |
| flydubai and Air Arabia | Dubai and Sharjah services were scheduled on 20 July. |
| UR Airlines | Several Germany and Türkiye services operated or were scheduled on 20 July. |
| Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Eurowings | Multiple services were listed as cancelled on 20 July. Confirm later dates directly with the airline. |
Travel Advisories for Erbil and Iraq
Travel advisories remain severe despite Erbil Airport being open.
- US State Department: Iraq is rated Level 4 — Do Not Travel, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
- EASA: Active bulletin CZIB-2026-05 advises affected operators not to use the Baghdad Flight Information Region at any altitude. It is valid until 31 August 2026 unless reviewed earlier.
- UK FCDO: Advises against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
- Australia: Advises travellers not to travel to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, and says flights remain limited despite reopened airspace.
These warnings reflect serious aviation and ground-security risks; they do not mean Erbil Airport is continuously closed. Check the advice issued for your nationality before booking or travelling.
How to Check Flight Status at Erbil Airport
With the regional situation fluid, checking your flight status before heading to the airport is essential. Here are three ways to do it:
- Wego Flight Tracker: Use Wego’s Erbil Airport flight tracker to check live arrivals and departures, or the general Wego flight tracker to look up any flight by route or airline.
- Erbil Airport official website: Visit the airport’s flight information page at eia.krd/flight-information for official arrival and departure boards.
- Your airline’s website or app: Log into your airline’s “Manage Booking” section for real-time updates on your specific flight.
Getting To and From Erbil Airport
Erbil International Airport is located approximately 6 km northwest of Erbil city centre. The journey downtown typically takes around 20 minutes.
- Taxi: The official airport taxi operates 24/7. The airport lists a standard cash fare of USD 25 between central Erbil and EBL.
- Shuttle bus: A free shuttle runs every 15 minutes between the public parking checkpoint and the passenger terminal. The journey takes about 5 minutes.
Transit and Layover Information
Erbil is not a major transit hub like Doha or Istanbul, so most travellers fly to or from Erbil as their final destination.
Travellers need the correct visa for the Kurdistan Region. Many passport holders can apply through the official Kurdistan e-visa portal, while some require a guarantor. Check eligibility for your travel document before departure.
A Kurdistan Region e-visa or visa on arrival is valid only within the Kurdistan Region. Separate federal Iraqi entry rules apply for travel elsewhere in Iraq. For overnight stays, you can search for hotels in Erbil on Wego.
Nearby Alternative Airports
Sulaymaniyah is the nearest major alternative, but it has also experienced short-notice flight disruption during the recent attacks. Baghdad and Najaf are much farther away and are exposed to the same national airspace and security risks.
Do not begin a long road transfer until the alternative flight, airport status, border requirements and route security have all been confirmed.
Travel Tips for Erbil Airport
- Confirm your flight before travelling. With the regional situation fluid, schedules may change at short notice. Use Wego’s Erbil flight tracker to check your flight.
- Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure. This is the timing recommended by Erbil Airport.
- Carry your visa documentation. Check your passport’s eligibility and apply through the official Kurdistan e-visa portal when required.
- Download your airline’s app. Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so keep offline access to your boarding pass.
- Use the official airport taxi. The airport lists a USD 25 cash fare from central Erbil and 24/7 service.
- Check your airline’s disruption policy. Rebooking and refund terms depend on the carrier, route and ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erbil Airport open right now?
Yes, Erbil International Airport is open as of 20 July 2026. Flights are operating, but the official board also shows several cancellations. Check the Wego flight tracker for Erbil, the airport board and your airline.
Have the recent attacks affected Erbil flights?
Yes, some services have been disrupted. After further attacks on 17 July, reports briefly conflicted over whether operations had paused. The airport later said traffic was continuing, but cancellations remain visible on the official board.
Is it safe to fly to Erbil now?
Erbil’s airport is operating, but official travel and aviation warnings remain severe. The US rates Iraq Level 4, the UK advises against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region, and EASA advises affected operators not to use Iraqi airspace.
Which airlines are flying to Erbil now?
Iraqi Airways, Qatar Airways and UR Airlines flights operated on 20 July, while flydubai and Air Arabia services were scheduled. Several Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Royal Jordanian and Eurowings flights were cancelled, so check your specific service.
Do I need a visa for Erbil?
You need the correct visa for the Kurdistan Region. Eligibility and whether a guarantor is required depend on your passport. A Kurdistan Region visa is valid only within the region, so check the official e-visa portal.
How do I get from Erbil Airport to the city centre?
Erbil Airport lists a standard USD 25 cash taxi fare from central Erbil. The official taxi service operates 24/7. Travel time varies with traffic.
What happens if my flight from Erbil is cancelled?
Contact your airline directly for rebooking or refund options. Entitlements depend on the carrier, route and ticket conditions. You can also search for alternative flights to Erbil on Wego.
Sources
- Erbil International Airport — Official Website
- Erbil International Airport — Flight Information
- Erbil International Airport — The Airport
- Erbil International Airport — To and From the Airport
- Kurdistan24 — Erbil Airport Confirms Airspace Remains Open After Explosions
- Shafaq News — Erbil Air Traffic Continues Amid Security Tensions
- EASA — Airspace of Iraq, CZIB-2026-05
- US Department of State — Iraq Travel Advisory (Level 4: Do Not Travel)
- UK FCDO — Iraq Travel Advice
- Smartraveller — Iraq Travel Advice
- Kurdistan Regional Government — Visa Information for Visitors
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.
