Erbil International Airport has resumed Qatar Airways passenger services following the reopening of regional airspace. The development signals gradual recovery for international air travel across the Kurdistan Region.
The first Qatar Airways flight departed from Doha on Saturday morning. The aircraft was scheduled to arrive at Erbil International Airport at 1:30 p.m.
Ahmed Hoshyar, director of Erbil International Airport, confirmed the flight’s arrival and return schedule. He said the aircraft would return to Doha approximately one hour after landing.
Qatar Airways had previously suspended flights to Erbil, Baghdad, and Basra. The airline halted services on July 24 amid heightened regional tensions and security concerns.
However, improving conditions allowed commercial aviation to resume across the Kurdistan Region. Consequently, several airlines operated flights to Erbil during Saturday morning.
Seven passenger flights landed at Erbil between 5:00 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. The arrivals included services from Cairo, Cologne, Amman, Istanbul, Damascus, Baghdad, and Dubai.
EgyptAir operated the Cairo service, while UR Airlines connected Erbil with Cologne. Meanwhile, Royal Jordanian operated a flight from Amman to Erbil.
Pegasus Airlines also arrived from Istanbul, while another flight reached Erbil from Damascus. Iraqi Airways provided a Baghdad connection, while flydubai operated from Dubai.
Furthermore, several additional flights remained on route to Erbil during the morning. Airport authorities reported one cancellation involving a UR Airlines service from London.
The restoration of major airline services supports passenger movement and regional economic activity. It also provides businesses with improved access to international markets and commercial partners.
Moreover, restored connections can benefit travelers using major regional aviation hubs. Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Amman, and Cairo provide important links for international passengers.
The return of Qatar Airways also indicates improving confidence among international carriers. Airlines generally require stable airspace conditions before restoring regular operations.
Going forward, passengers will closely monitor further schedule changes and additional service resumptions. Airport authorities and airlines will continue assessing regional security conditions.
Overall, renewed international flights represent an important step toward normal air connectivity. Qatar Airways’ return strengthens Erbil’s links with regional and global destinations.