Baghdad International Airport

Airport Features and Highlights

Terminals with Historical Names: The terminal complex consists of three main terminals named after great ancient cities—Nineveh, Babylon, and Samarra. This adds a special local flavour to your arrival, reminding visitors of the region's rich historical heritage.

Comfortable Waiting: For passengers who value privacy and high-quality service, the Ahlein Premium Lounge is available. Here, you can relax before your flight, enjoy Wi-Fi, and partake in light refreshments. The Iraq Duty Free shops are also operational, offering perfumes, confectionery, and souvenirs.

Transport Accessibility: You can reach the city centre using official taxis, with ranks located at the terminal exits. The journey takes about 30 minutes; however, travellers should factor in time for security checks, which are organized here with particular thoroughness for the peace of mind of all guests.

There are several ways to contact Baghdad International Airport, but please note that the most effective channel for resolving flight-related issues is often your airline.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate official website. The main source of information is the website of the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), which oversees the airport's operations.
• Information Desk Phone: The direct telephone line for the airport inquiry service may not always be available. For all urgent questions regarding your flight, it is recommended to call your airline's representative office directly.
• Address: Airport Road, Baghdad, Iraq.
• Email: For official inquiries, you may contact the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority. However, this channel is not intended for resolving passenger issues (ticket changes, flight information).
• Social Media: There are no official, actively maintained social media accounts for the airport. Check your air carrier's pages for information.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost and Found service of your airline. Representative counters are usually located in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and information, you can approach the information desks located within the terminal building.

Important Tip: Keep your airline's contact details close at hand. Most issues, from check-in to luggage information, are resolved specifically through their representatives at the airport.

Reaching Baghdad International Airport (BGW), located approximately 16 kilometres west of the centre of the capital of Iraq, can be done in several ways. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning your trip, please note that travel time to the airport from Baghdad can vary significantly due to traffic conditions and usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most popular and convenient options for tourists. You can use official taxi services or book a transfer in advance through your hotel or travel agency. The latter is often preferred as it guarantees a fixed fare and eliminates the need to negotiate the price on the spot. It is recommended to always confirm the cost of the trip before it begins to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport is represented by special shuttle buses that run between the airport and key points in the city. This is a more budget-friendly way to get to the terminal, though it may be less convenient if you have a lot of luggage. It is best to check the shuttle schedule and route in advance, as they may change. For most tourists unfamiliar with the city, this option might be challenging to navigate.

Car Rental offers maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan trips outside the city. Several rental company representatives operate at the airport and in Baghdad itself. However, bear in mind that driving in the capital requires specific experience and confidence due to heavy traffic and the local driving style. If you decide to come to the airport in a rented or private car, parking is at your service. The airport grounds feature both short-term and long-term parking zones.

The Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is a large and modern complex consisting of several terminals, each fulfilling specific functions. For most passengers, the primary interest lies in the civil terminals serving international and domestic flights. It is important to check with your airline in advance which specific terminal your flight departs from, as they are located in separate buildings.

The airport complex includes three main passenger terminals: Samarra, Babylon, and Nineveh, as well as a separate VIP terminal for official delegations and private aviation. The "Samarra" and "Babylon" terminals are the primary ones, serving the majority of commercial airlines, both the national carrier Iraqi Airways and foreign companies. The airport layout is quite logical: arrival zones are usually located on the ground floor, while departure zones with check-in counters and passport control are on the first floor.

Since the terminals are in different buildings, walking between them is not provisioned for passengers. However, most tourists will not need to move between them, as the entire process—from check-in to boarding—takes place within a single building. Navigation inside the terminals is intuitive thanks to signs in Arabic and English. Inside, you will find a standard range of services: cafes, duty-free shops, rest areas, and currency exchange counters.

A key feature of the airport is its heightened security measures. Passengers should be prepared for several stages of screening, which may begin even upon approaching the airport complex. In this regard, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: for international flights, at least 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2-3 hours. This will allow you to go through all procedures calmly, without haste or stress.

The history of Baghdad International Airport (BGW) reflects the turbulent events that Iraq has experienced in recent decades. The construction of the airport, originally named after Saddam Hussein, was completed in 1982. The project was implemented by French companies, and at the time of opening, it was considered one of the most modern and well-equipped in the Middle East, ready to serve millions of passengers per year.

However, almost immediately after opening, its operations were severely limited due to the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War. The airport never saw full-scale international operation during that period. Following the Gulf War in 1991 and the imposition of UN sanctions, the airport was completely closed to international civil aviation for a long 12 years, serving only rare domestic or humanitarian flights.

A new era for the airport began in 2003. After the change of power in the country, it was renamed Baghdad International Airport. A long and complex process of restoration, infrastructure modernization, and returning to the global civil aviation map began. Flights by the national carrier Iraqi Airways gradually resumed, followed by other international airlines. This process became a symbol of the country's gradual revival and its integration into the global community.

In recent years, the airport has undergone several stages of reconstruction aimed at enhancing security and improving passenger service quality. Although its history is full of dramatic pauses and trials, the very fact of its functioning today is a significant achievement. From an ambitious project that never quite realized its potential, it has transformed into a vital transport hub connecting Iraq with the rest of the world.

Baghdad International Airport (BGW) provides passengers with a wide range of services for a comfortable and pleasant journey. Within the terminal building, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick sandwich, drink aromatic coffee, or have a full meal choosing from local or international cuisine. For those who love shopping, stores are available, including a Duty Free zone where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

To stay connected, passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Waiting areas are also equipped with numerous power outlets and USB ports for charging electronic devices. For travellers who value enhanced comfort and privacy, business lounges and VIP lounges are open. Here, you can relax in silence, work, and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. To ensure the health and safety of passengers, a medical centre operates around the clock within the terminal, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with small children, offering a calm environment to change or feed a baby. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance: airport staff will help with passing through controls and boarding the flight, and the terminal infrastructure is equipped with ramps and special washrooms.

For business people who need to hold a meeting or work while waiting for a flight, conference rooms or business centres may be available. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering comfortable rooms and transfers to the terminal, allowing for proper rest before continuing your journey.

At Baghdad International Airport (BGW), travellers will find diverse dining options capable of satisfying both those rushing to catch a flight and those preferring a leisurely lunch. The airport terminals host cafes, fast-food outlets, and full-menu establishments offering dishes to suit any taste and budget.

For those wishing to grab a bite on the go, numerous coffee shops and fast-food points are ideal. They offer sandwiches, pastries, salads, and beverages. These establishments are conveniently located both in the public area before security control (landside) and in the sterile departure zone (airside). If you have time, consider the full-service restaurants where you can sit comfortably and enjoy a proper hot meal.

Travel is an excellent excuse to explore local cuisine. At Baghdad Airport, you can taste traditional Iraqi dishes. Look for establishments serving mezze (a selection of appetizers), aromatic kebabs, or juicy shawarma. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the taste of the local culinary culture without leaving the airport building. Naturally, alongside local cuisine, popular international dishes are also widely represented.

Most establishments offer Halal dishes, in accordance with local traditions. Options for vegetarians are also available, though the selection may be limited—it is best to check the availability of such dishes directly with the cafe or restaurant staff. The price range varies: from budget-friendly snacks in food courts to higher prices in à la carte restaurants. Many dining points operate 24/7 or have extended opening hours to serve passengers on night and morning flights.

To ensure your journey through Baghdad International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start and end of your trip to Iraq more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before departure. This will give you sufficient time to complete all formalities without rushing. Many airlines offer online check-in, which can save time at the counters, but note that baggage drop and security checks will still take time. Screening procedures can be multi-staged and thorough, so please remain calm and follow staff instructions.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up and move freely. Pack all valuables, documents, and necessary medications in your hand luggage. Remember standard restrictions: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Electronics are usually required to be removed from bags during screening.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically. At the airport, follow the "Transit" or "Transfer" signs. Check in advance which terminal your next boarding gate is located in and how long the transfer will take, which may include additional security screening.

Customs Control: When passing through customs, have your passport, visa, and other necessary documents ready. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and the contents of your luggage. Declare all goods subject to declaration to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations: To save money, book a taxi or transfer in advance through trusted services. Prices for food and souvenirs inside the airport may be higher. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Clarify whether you are entitled to meals, drinks, or hotel accommodation depending on the wait duration. Having travel insurance can also be very useful in such situations.