About IA
Iraqi Airways (IA) is Iraq's national carrier, operating as a legacy airline with its main hub at Baghdad International (BGW). The network is solidly regional in character — 94 non-stop routes spread across 29 airports, connecting Iraq to neighboring countries and a handful of longer-haul destinations. Iraq itself dominates the route map with 54 domestic and international connections, while Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, and Lebanon round out the top destination countries. It's not a global mega-carrier, but it's the backbone of air travel in and out of Iraq, and for a lot of travelers, it's simply the most practical option.
Why fly IA?
Honestly? The main reason you'd pick IA is access. If you're flying into or out of Iraq — whether that's BGW, Basra (BSR), Erbil (EBL), or Sulaimaniyah (ISU) — IA gives you more non-stop options than most competitors can match. Twenty-seven routes out of Baghdad alone means you're not always forced into a connection somewhere else. The network also punches further than you'd expect — the longest route, BGW to Guangzhou (CAN), covers 6,731 km, which tells you this isn't strictly a short-hop regional operation. For Iraqi diaspora travelers and business flyers moving between the Gulf and Iraq, the route frequency and hub coverage are genuinely hard to beat.
IA hub airports
- BGW Baghdad — 27 IA routes from Iraq
- BSR Basra — 9 IA routes from Iraq
- EBL Erbil — 7 IA routes from Iraq
- ISU Sulaimaniyah — 5 IA routes from Iraq
- DXB Dubai — 4 IA routes from United Arab Emirates
Top destination countries on IA
- Iraq — 54 IA routes
- Turkiye — 9 IA routes
- Egypt — 5 IA routes
- United Arab Emirates — 5 IA routes
- Lebanon — 4 IA routes
- Jordan — 3 IA routes
- Pakistan — 3 IA routes
- India — 2 IA routes
Tips for booking IA
BGW is IA's strongest hub by a wide margin — if you're connecting anywhere, that's your best bet. For regional hops, check BSR and EBL too, since they cover 9 and 7 routes respectively and can save you a backtrack through Baghdad. Book direct through IA's own channels when you can — third-party fares sometimes miss fare-class nuances that affect baggage allowances. Speaking of baggage, confirm your allowance before you fly because it can vary by route. First-time flyers should build in extra time at BGW — it's a busy hub and ground processes can run slower than you'd expect.
Frequently asked questions about IA
Where does Iraqi Airways (IA) fly?
Iraqi Airways operates 94 routes primarily connecting Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt, serving major cities across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean regions. The airline focuses on routes that connect Iraq with key regional hubs and business centers.
What is Iraqi Airways' main hub?
Baghdad (BGW) is Iraqi Airways' main hub, serving as the primary connection point for the airline's network and the center of its operations.
What type of airline is Iraqi Airways?
Iraqi Airways is a regional carrier that serves the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean markets with a focus on connecting Iraq to neighboring countries and key regional destinations.
When should I book flights with Iraqi Airways, and what fare classes are available?
It's generally recommended to book regional flights 4-6 weeks in advance for better fares. Iraqi Airways typically offers standard economy and business class options; check their website for current fare class availability and special promotions.
What are Iraqi Airways' baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; check your booking confirmation or contact Iraqi Airways directly for specific limits. Online check-in is typically available 24 hours before departure, with airport check-in opening 3 hours before international flights.