Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Iraq

Direct flight routes to Iraq

Non-stop flights between Europe and Iraq are limited and operated by few carriers.

• Istanbul (IST) to Baghdad (BGW) – Turkish Airlines – 3h 05m


• Istanbul (IST) to Erbil (EBL) – Turkish Airlines – 2h 55m


• Vienna (VIE) to Erbil (EBL) – Austrian Airlines – 4h 10m

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub, offering most connections to Iraq. Average connection time 2-4 hours. Modern airport with excellent lounges and transit hotel.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub connecting European flights to Iraq. Typical layover 3-5 hours. Extensive duty-free shopping and complimentary hotel for long layovers.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways hub with good European connectivity. Connection times usually 2-3 hours. Modern facilities and efficient transit process.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save considerable time. Layover options through Middle Eastern hubs often offer better value but add 4-8 hours to total journey time.

Tips and recommendations

• Book layover flights as a single ticket rather than separate segments for better protection against delays and missed connections.


• Consider morning departures from Europe to avoid overnight layovers in connecting airports.


• Turkish Airlines often offers the most competitive prices and shortest total journey times via Istanbul.


• During religious holidays, especially Ramadan and Hajj, prices increase significantly across all routes.


• Minimum connection time of 3 hours is recommended at Middle Eastern hubs due to additional security checks.

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers the most extensive network to Iraqi cities, serving Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah with modern A321neo aircraft featuring 31-inch pitch in economy. Connecting times in Istanbul average 3-4 hours, and fares typically run 15-20% below market average when booked 2-3 months ahead. European departure points like Vienna, Brussels, and Milan often offer better rates than major hubs.
• Flying Gulf Air via Bahrain provides excellent value with round-trips from secondary European cities starting around €550, particularly from Athens, Rome, and Manchester. Their A321neo aircraft feature enhanced legroom at 32 inches and complimentary stopover programs in Bahrain. The carrier recently expanded its Iraq network with doubled frequency to Baghdad and Najaf.
• Qatar Airways through Doha delivers superior comfort with their A350s from European gateways to Baghdad and Basra, featuring 18-inch-wide economy seats. While prices average 10-15% higher than Turkish Airlines, the carrier frequently runs promotional fares from Scandinavian airports. Their new simplified fare structure introduced in January 2024 offers more flexibility for Iraq-bound travelers.
• Consider Royal Jordanian via Amman, especially for travel to Erbil and Baghdad, with fares typically 20-25% lower than direct options from major European hubs. Their upgraded Boeing 787 fleet offers enhanced comfort with 32-inch pitch and improved air filtration systems. The airline’s recent partnership with Air France-KLM has expanded connection options from secondary European cities.
• Budget-conscious travelers should explore Middle East Airlines via Beirut, offering competitive fares from Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan to Baghdad and Erbil. Their A320neo aircraft provide comfortable 31-inch pitch, and the airline’s recent terminal relocation at Beirut Airport has reduced connection times to under 2 hours. MEA frequently offers promotional fares 30% below market average during shoulder seasons.

1. Booking only direct flights Many travelers miss out on significant savings by avoiding routes with stops in Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha, which often offer better prices and more frequent connections to Iraqi cities.
2. Ignoring visa transit requirements Passengers frequently overlook that certain popular layover countries like Saudi Arabia or Kuwait require transit visas, leading to denied boarding at departure.
3. Flying into Baghdad only Travelers limit their options by not considering Erbil International Airport, which often offers better infrastructure, more reliable schedules, and sometimes lower fares from European cities.
4. Last-minute summer bookings Many travelers wait too long to book flights during the peak summer season (June-August), when prices to Iraq can double and availability becomes extremely limited due to high demand from visiting expatriates.
5. Wrong arrival timing Arriving in Iraqi airports late at night can be problematic as public transportation is limited and some areas have nighttime security restrictions, making it essential to plan for daytime arrivals.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive network with flights to Iraq from 12 European cities, including Istanbul, London, and Paris.

Turkish Airlines dominates routes to Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra with daily connections through Istanbul. Their modern A321 and B737 aircraft offer comfortable 31-inch pitch in Economy. Passengers consistently praise their award-winning catering with Turkish and International cuisine. The average layover in Istanbul is 3-4 hours, with excellent lounge access for eligible passengers. Overall passenger rating: 4.1/5.

Emirates

Best for: Superior comfort and service quality, flying from 8 European hubs including London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.

While requiring a Dubai connection, Emirates provides exceptional value with generous 33-inch seat pitch and superior inflight entertainment. Their Economy Class meals are restaurant-quality, and the Dubai layover is well-organized with extensive shopping options. They serve Baghdad and Basra with modern Boeing 777s. Overall passenger rating: 4.4/5.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Premium Economy Class experience from 7 European cities, including London, Paris, and Munich.

Qatar Airways offers highly rated service consistency on routes to Baghdad and Erbil via Doha. Their Economy Class features comfortable seating with 32-inch pitch and high-quality meals. The Doha connection is efficient, usually 3-5 hours, with modern airport facilities. Their Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s are among the newest in the industry. Overall passenger rating: 4.3/5.

MEA (Middle East Airlines)

Best for: Shortest average connection times, operating from 5 European destinations including Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome.

MEA provides quick and efficient connections through Beirut to Baghdad and Erbil. Their Airbus A320/321 fleet offers standard 31-inch pitch in Economy, with fresh Mediterranean-style meals. The Beirut layover typically ranges from 2-3 hours, making it one of the fastest options from Europe. Overall passenger rating: 3.9/5.

Using APAC carriers for Europe-Iraq routes

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on Europe-Iraq flights by incorporating Asian carriers into their itinerary. This strategy, known as “segment stacking,” can save up to 40% on standard fares.

Key benefits of this approach

1. Lower base fares: Airlines like Air Asia, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airlines often price their segments more competitively than Middle Eastern or European carriers
2. Flexible routing options: Using major APAC hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore as stopover points creates more pricing opportunities
3. Better availability: Regional carriers often have seats available when direct routes are full or overpriced

How to implement this strategy

Book separate tickets: one from Europe to an APAC hub, then another from Asia to Iraq via carriers like Thai Airways or Malaysia Airlines connecting through Middle Eastern hubs. Key connection points include Bangkok-Baghdad, Kuala Lumpur-Basra, or Singapore-Erbil routes.

Remember to allow ample connection time between flights and check baggage policies when booking separate tickets. Best savings typically appear when booking 2-3 months in advance.