Turkish Airlines has relaunched direct flights between Istanbul and Sulaymaniyah (northern Iraq) after a suspension since April 2023. This marks a major revival of connectivity for the region.
The route resumes with four weekly flights, offering travelers and businesses a fresh gateway between Türkiye and Iraq’s Kurdish region.
Flight Schedule and Future Expansion
Starting 2 November 2025, flights operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. From 27 March 2026, the plan is to upgrade to a daily service under the summer schedule.
The relaunch gives Sulaymaniyah direct access to Turkish Airlines’ vast global network of 355 destinations across 131 countries.
Affordable fares start from around USD 325, making the route viable for leisure, business and cultural travel alike.
Tourism Impacts: Sulaymaniyah in the Spotlight
Sulaymaniyah is rich in natural beauty, culture and history — nestled near the Zagros Mountains, with lively cafés, art galleries and heritage sites.
The direct link from Istanbul makes the city far more accessible to international visitors. This opens the door for nature-based tourism (mountain hikes, lakeside retreats), cultural tours and city breaks.
For Iraq’s Kurdistan region, this boost in air connectivity can spark growth in tourism infrastructure, hospitality and local service sectors.
Business & Economic Benefits
This route isn’t just about leisure. The improved air link strengthens trade, commerce and cultural exchange between Türkiye and Iraq.
Sulaymaniyah now plugs into a major international hub via Istanbul, making exports, partnerships and business travel simpler and faster.
For Turkish Airlines, this re-entry into Sulaymaniyah underscores its strategy of deepening presence in key Middle Eastern markets.
Why the Timing Matters
The suspension of flights since April 2023 limited access to the region. With resumption, the region regains a direct international portal.
Tourism trends show growing interest in off-beat, emerging destinations. Sulaymaniyah fits that niche — combining authenticity with increasing stability and infrastructure.
For regional airlines, such moves reflect confidence in the route’s demand and the importance of Iraq–Türkiye connectivity.
What Travellers Should Know
From November, booking seats on the Istanbul-Sulaymaniyah leg will become possible across economy and business classes.
Passengers benefit from Turkish Airlines’ service standards: inflight catering, lounge access in Istanbul, and frequent-flyer miles via the Miles&Smiles programme.
Planning in advance may secure better rates. Given the planned increase to daily service in 2026, demand may pick up early.
Looking Ahead
With the return of this route, the travel-map for both business and leisure has expanded. Sulaymaniyah stands to gain from its renewed international exposure.
The four-weekly schedule now, and daily service next year, signal commitment from Turkish Airlines to the region.
As tourism infrastructure grows, and connectivity improves, Sulaymaniyah could emerge as a meaningful destination in Iraq’s northern region — for travellers seeking something different, and for businesses seeking new opportunities.
In sum, the relaunch of Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul–Sulaymaniyah flights is a significant milestone. It opens up new avenues for tourism, supports business ties and strengthens the Iraq–Türkiye linkage. For travellers, it means smoother access to a culturally rich, scenic city. For the region, it signals a step toward greater openness and global integration.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
