Europe Iraq 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI✨
Fly round-trip to Baghdad for €350, while others pay €900+.
Our AI finds Superdeals to Iraq from all major airports in Europe. You book directly with airlines for half the price—or less.
Why are flights to Iraq so expensive in 2026?
A European flight ban on Iraq’s national airline, combined with sky-high insurance costs, has created a perfect storm that keeps ticket prices painfully expensive.
To put it in perspective, a flight from London to Baghdad costs around €950 to €1,300 for economy. A similar distance trip to Cairo? Just €450 to €600. That’s nearly double the price for a slightly longer flight.
So what’s going on? First, Iraqi Airways is banned from flying into Europe. Safety regulators won’t let them operate direct routes, so they can’t offer cheaper fares that would force other airlines to compete. Second, regional tensions push insurance costs through the roof. When missiles fly anywhere near Iraqi airspace, airlines pay more to protect their planes, and you pay more for your seat. Third, there are no budget airlines on this route. While Wizz Air flies to nearby Jordan, no low-cost carrier touches Baghdad. That leaves Turkish Airlines and Pegasus controlling most connections through Istanbul, with little reason to drop prices.
Iraq now offers visa-on-arrival for EU and UK citizens, which has boosted demand. But with so few flights available, more people are chasing the same expensive seats.
The outlook: Don’t expect relief soon. Until the EU lifts its ban on Iraqi Airways and regional tensions cool down, prices will stay stubbornly high. Your best bet is booking months ahead and staying flexible with layover times in Istanbul or Doha.
Meet Superdeals
Never overpay for flights again
You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to Iraq — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Europe for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- London (LHR) — UK
- Paris (CDG) — France
- Amsterdam (AMS) — Netherlands
- Madrid (MAD) — Spain
- Frankfurt (FRA) — Germany
- Rome (FCO) — Italy
- Athens (ATH) — Greece
- Vienna (VIE) — Austria
- Zurich (ZRH) — Switzerland
- Warsaw (WAW) — Poland
Departure airports in Europe and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.
Superdeals to Iraq
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Europe 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Europe to Baghdad costs €900+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around €350:
Which airlines have promotions to Iraq right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Europe:
Travel hacks and insights
for Europe — Iraq flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Iraq.
Do Not Travel advisories active
Most European foreign ministries (Germany, France, UK) maintain Level 4 “Do Not Travel” or “Leave Immediately” advisories for all of Iraq, with slight exceptions for the Kurdistan Region (Level 3 or 4). Consular support is extremely limited.
In an emergency, European embassies in Baghdad cannot easily assist you outside the International Zone. Evacuation flights are not guaranteed. Travel here requires self-sufficiency and robust contingency planning.
Pegasus via Sabiha Gökçen saves €200-300
Flying Pegasus Airlines from European cities through Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to Baghdad or Erbil typically undercuts Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa by €200-300. The trade-off is the SAW transit experience, which is more chaotic and less premium than the main Istanbul Airport (IST).
Pegasus operates narrowbody Airbus A320/321s with tight 29-inch pitch. For the 2-3 hour leg from Istanbul to Iraq, the savings justify the comfort sacrifice compared to legacy carriers charging €800+ for similar economy seats.
Turkish Airlines dominates schedule reliability
Turkish Airlines operates the highest frequency of flights from Europe to Iraq via Istanbul (IST), serving Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, and Sulaymaniyah. In a region where cancellations occur due to geopolitical tension, their multiple daily frequencies offer the best rebooking options.
European carriers like Lufthansa often fly only 3-4 times weekly. If a Tuesday flight cancels, you might wait until Thursday or Friday. Turkish Airlines can usually rebook you on a flight just hours later or the next morning.
Avoid Iraqi Airways due to EU safety ban
Iraqi Airways is currently on the EU Air Safety List (blacklist), meaning they are banned from operating their own aircraft into European airspace due to safety oversight concerns. Any “Iraqi Airways” flight you see from Europe is likely a wet-lease operated by another carrier or a codeshare.
Travelers should prioritize European, Turkish, or major Gulf carriers (Qatar/Emirates) which adhere to stricter EASA or FAA safety standards. Insurance policies often exclude coverage if you fly on blacklisted carriers.
Cash is king for airport payments
Iraq is a heavily cash-based economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted for taxis, visas on arrival, or small airport purchases. ATMs at Baghdad and Erbil airports are occasionally empty or reject foreign cards.
Bring pristine, new-series US Dollars (post-2013 “blue” notes). Bills with tears, ink marks, or older designs are frequently rejected by visa counters and taxi drivers. Budget $200-300 in small denominations for immediate arrival expenses.
Booking timing for religious pilgrimages
Flight prices to Najaf and Baghdad surge 200-300% during major Shia pilgrimages like Arbaeen and Ashura. Millions of visitors travel to Karbala and Najaf, saturating all flight capacity from hubs like Istanbul and Doha.
Check the Islamic lunar calendar before booking. If your trip coincides with these dates, book 4-6 months in advance. Conversely, flying *out* of Iraq during the start of pilgrimages can sometimes yield empty legs with cheaper fares.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
Are there new flight routes from Europe to Iraq as of 2025?
Yes, connectivity has improved with increased frequencies from Istanbul and Doha in late 2025. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have added capacity on routes to Baghdad (BGW) and Erbil (EBL), offering competitive fares around €450-600 roundtrip. Additionally, Lufthansa continues its service to Erbil from Frankfurt, though direct flights to Baghdad from Western Europe remain limited due to insurance premiums. Most travelers still connect via Turkey or Qatar for the best reliability and price.
Do I need a visa for Iraq if I have a European passport?
Yes, but most EU/UK citizens are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Baghdad, Basra, and Najaf airports. The fee is $75 USD (bring exact cash), and the process is generally straightforward, taking 30-60 minutes depending on queues. This visa is valid for 60 days. Note that if you enter via the land border from Turkey or fly into Erbil, you initially get a Kurdistan-only permit, which is legally insufficient for travel south to Baghdad.
Can I enter Federal Iraq with a Kurdistan visa stamp?
No, this is the most common mistake travelers make. The entry stamp issued at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports is valid ONLY for the Kurdistan Region. If you try to cross a checkpoint into Federal Iraq (e.g., going to Mosul or Baghdad), you will be turned back or detained. To visit the south, you must either fly directly into Baghdad/Basra to get the full Federal visa, or obtain a Federal visa from an embassy before your trip.
Is it safe for European women to travel solo in Iraq?
Yes, many women travel solo in Iraq safely, but it requires high cultural awareness and preparation. Harassment is relatively rare compared to some other regional destinations, as hospitality culture is strong, but staring is common. Dress conservatively (loose clothing covering arms and legs) to blend in and show respect. Using reputable drivers or guides for inter-city travel is recommended over public shared taxis for safety and ease at checkpoints.
What is the dress code for tourists in holy cities like Karbala?
In holy cities like Karbala and Najaf, the dress code is strict: women must wear an abaya (full-length black cloak) and a hijab covering the hair completely. You can often buy affordable abayas locally or borrow one at shrine entrances. Men should wear long trousers; shorts are culturally unacceptable in religious areas and shrines. In Baghdad or Erbil, the code is more relaxed, but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees remains the standard for both genders.
Can I use my European SIM card in Iraq?
You can, but roaming charges will be astronomical (often €10+ per MB). The best option is to buy a local SIM card from Zain or Asiacell upon arrival at the airport or in the city. A package with 10GB of data typically costs around 15,000-20,000 IQD (€10-15) and offers good 4G coverage nationwide. Bring your passport for registration. Alternatively, eSIMs like Airalo work well for data if you have a compatible phone and want connectivity immediately upon landing.
How do I get from Baghdad Airport to the city center safely?
You cannot simply hail a street taxi from the arrivals curb due to security restrictions. You must take an official airport taxi or shuttle to the “Abbas Ibn Firnas” square (a secure checkpoint area), where you can then transfer to a regular taxi or meet a private driver. The safest and most hassle-free method is to arrange a pickup through your hotel or use the Careem app (the local Uber equivalent) once you reach the secure square.
Are there many security checkpoints on the roads?
Yes, checkpoints are frequent on highways connecting cities, though they have decreased in number within Baghdad itself. Always keep your passport handy in the front seat. Foreigners are often waved through with a smile and a “Welcome to Iraq,” but you may occasionally be asked to show your visa or explain your destination. Patience is key—never photograph the military personnel or the checkpoint infrastructure itself.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Europe to Iraq cost?
Nonstop Europe-Iraq flights take 3-5 hours and cost 20-40% more than connecting alternatives. Major hubs in Turkey, Austria, and Greece—including Istanbul, Vienna, and Athens—offer the most frequent service, primarily to Erbil (EBL) and, increasingly, Baghdad (BGW).
Direct service justifies its premium for business travelers, families, or when price differences stay below €100-150—otherwise, strategic one-stop routing typically delivers better value.
| Route | Airline | Aircraft | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (IST) → Erbil (EBL) | Turkish Airlines | A321neo, 737-800 | €450 | €145 (68% off) |
| Istanbul (IST) → Baghdad (BGW) | Turkish Airlines | A321, 737-800 | €500 | €165 (67% off) |
| Vienna (VIE) → Erbil (EBL) | Austrian Airlines | 737-800, A320 | €700 | €230 (67% off) |
| Athens (ATH) → Erbil (EBL) | Aegean Airlines | A320neo | €550 | €180 (67% off) |
| Athens (ATH) → Baghdad (BGW) | Aegean Airlines | A320neo | €600 | €200 (67% off) |
| Stockholm (ARN) → Erbil (EBL) | flydubai / charter-style operator | 737 MAX 8 | €650 | €210 (68% off) |
| Munich (MUC) → Erbil (EBL) | Eurowings | A320 | €620 | €205 (67% off) |
| Berlin (BER) → Erbil (EBL) | SunExpress | 737-800 | €580 | €190 (67% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Europe to Iraq flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Europe to Iraq, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Istanbul IST
with Turkish Airlines
- Average savings: 25-35% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~3.5h Europe-Istanbul + ~2.5h Istanbul-Baghdad/Erbil
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Complimentary hotel and tours
- Visa requirements: Most Europe passports get e-visa or visa-free
- Airport rating: 4-Star Skytrax hub with extensive amenities
- Best for: London, Paris, Berlin travelers seeking world-class lounge and shopping experience
Doha DOH
with Qatar Airways
- Average savings: 20-30% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Europe-Doha (~6h), then Doha-Baghdad/Erbil (~2h)
- Typical connection: 2-3 hours (minimum 45 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Subsidized stopover hotels
- Visa requirements: Most Europe passports enjoy visa-free transit access
- Airport rating: 5-Star Skytrax airport with premium terminals
- Best for: Rome, Frankfurt, Madrid travelers seeking award-winning business class comfort
Dubai DXB
with Emirates / flydubai
- Average savings: 18-28% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~6.5h Europe-Dubai and ~2h Dubai-Baghdad/Erbil legs
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 75 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Complimentary accommodation package
- Visa requirements: Many Europe passports obtain visa on arrival
- Airport rating: High-rated mega-hub with extensive dining options
- Best for: Amsterdam, Vienna, Milan travelers seeking flexible schedules and strong onward frequencies
Amman AMM
with Royal Jordanian
- Average savings: 15-25% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~4h Europe-Amman, ~1.5h Amman-Baghdad/Erbil
- Typical connection: 2-5 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Modern terminal with premium lounge access
- Visa requirements: Many Europe passports get visa on arrival
- Airport rating: 4-Star Skytrax airport, efficient for regional connections
- Best for: Athens, Munich, Barcelona travelers seeking short regional hop into Iraq
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Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Iraq
Most travelers book Europe–Iraq flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Iraq.
Turkish Airlines
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Five-time Skytrax Best Airline in Europe, Boeing 787-9 offers lower cabin altitude and larger windows, enhancing comfort on Istanbul to Baghdad routes via IST hub.
- Route: 1-stop Istanbul (IST) → Baghdad (BGW) (approx. 6.5 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17″ width, 3-3-3 config, adjustable headrests, personal IFE screens
- Business: 2-2-2 config, lie-flat 180°, direct aisle access, personal IFE
- Standouts: 10.1″ touchscreen IFE with movies & games, onboard WiFi, regional Turkish meals, amenity kits in Business
- Typical Pricing: Economy €450-650; Business €1,500-2,200;
Lufthansa
Airbus A350-900
Star Alliance member, Airbus A350’s advanced air filtration and quiet cabin ensure premium comfort on Frankfurt to Erbil flights via FRA hub.
- Route: Direct/1-stop Frankfurt (FRA) → Erbil (EBL) (approx. 5-6 hrs)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 config, ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests
- Business: 1-2-1 config, fully flat 180°, direct aisle access, larger personal space
- Standouts: 18″ high-res IFE, high-speed onboard WiFi, multi-course meals with regional options, noise-cancelling headphones
- Typical Pricing: Economy €500-700; Business €2,000-2,800;
Air France
Airbus A350-900
Skytrax 4-star airline, A350’s optimized humidity and light system improve long-haul wellbeing on Paris CDG–Baghdad flights via CDG hub.
- Route: 1-stop Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) → Baghdad (BGW) (approx. 6.5 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 config, adjustable lumbar support
- Business: 1-2-1 config, lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, privacy screens
- Standouts: 16″ IFE screens with extensive movie/music library, WiFi available, French-Middle Eastern fusion meals, noise-cancelling headset
- Typical Pricing: Economy €480-700; Business €1,900-2,700;
Qatar Airways
Boeing 777-300ER
Five-time Skytrax World’s Best Airline, 777-300ER’s spacious cabin and Qsuite business class elevate Doha to Erbil flying experience via DOH hub.
- Route: 1-stop Doha (DOH) → Erbil (EBL) (approx. 6-7 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.5″ width, 3-4-3 config, ergonomic seats with personal screens
- Business: Qsuite 1-2-1 config, fully enclosed suites, lie-flat 180°, ample storage
- Standouts: 17″ IFE with Oryx One system, high-speed WiFi, multi-course Arabic and international cuisine, onboard lounge access in Business
- Typical Pricing: Economy €470-680; Business €2,300-3,200;
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