Sulaimaniyah International Airport

Sulaimaniyah International Airport (ISU) is not merely a transit hub, but a modern gateway to the cultural capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. Located in a picturesque valley amidst mountain ranges, this airport welcomes travellers with an atmosphere of tranquility that is atypical for major Middle Eastern hubs. For many, their introduction to the region begins right here — in bright terminals where high safety standards combine with traditional hospitality.

Sulaimaniyah Airport offers several advantages that make travelling through it easy and pleasant:

Convenient Infrastructure. The complex includes three terminals separating flows for arrivals, departures, and VIP services. This intelligent zoning helps avoid long queues even during peak hours, making passport control quick and unobtrusive.

Comfortable Waiting Experience. Despite its compact size, the interior has everything a traveller needs: cosy cafes, Duty Free shops, and waiting lounges with Wi-Fi access. The cleanliness and order in the terminals are often noted by guests as a hallmark of this airport.

Scenic Location. The airport is located just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, and the road to it passes through beautiful landscapes. This allows tourists to start enjoying the views of the region immediately after landing, without spending hours on transfers.

To obtain the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations, we recommend using official communication channels. Below are the contact details for Sulaimaniyah International Airport (ISU).

• Official Website: sulairport.krd — here you will find flight schedules, news, and general information about services.
• Information Desk Phone: +964 (0) 53 317 3322. You can use this number to clarify information about departures, arrivals, and airport service operations.
• Airport Address: Sulaymaniyah International Airport, Bakrjo, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address info@sulairport.krd.
• Social Media: The airport maintains an official page on Facebook, where important updates are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to baggage, you should first contact the Lost & Found counter of your airline in the arrivals hall. You can also contact the airport service by phone: +964 (0) 770 041 3434.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and passenger assistance, it is recommended to contact the main information desk phone or send an email.

Sulaimaniyah International Airport (ISU) is located in close proximity to the city, so getting to the terminals is quick and straightforward. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport from anywhere in Sulaymaniyah. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 15–20 minutes, though this time may increase during peak hours. The estimated cost of the trip is 10,000–15,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately 7–10 US dollars). It is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip or to use the services of official taxi companies. For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with family, you can book a transfer through your hotel in advance.

Car Rental — an excellent option for those planning to actively move around the city and its surroundings. Several rental agencies operate at the airport and in Sulaymaniyah itself. Arriving at the airport in a private or rented car, you can use the parking facilities. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Prices vary but are considered quite reasonable; it is best to check the exact cost on-site.

Public Transport to the airport is poorly developed, and there may be no direct bus routes from the city centre to the terminals. This option is suitable for the most budget-conscious travellers without large luggage. If you wish to use it, check in advance with your hotel or locals which city buses pass near the airport, and be prepared that you may have to walk part of the way.

Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU) is distinguished by its modern and well-thought-out infrastructure. All passenger operations — both domestic and international — are handled in a single terminal. This makes the airport convenient and easy to navigate, as you do not have to move between different buildings, and all procedures take place under one roof.

The terminal has a logical two-level layout, which simplifies orientation. The Ground Floor is entirely dedicated to the arrivals area. Here, passengers go through passport control, collect baggage on conveyor belts, and, if necessary, pass through customs inspection. The First Floor is the departure zone, where airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control leading to the boarding gates are located.

The Arrivals Zone is designed for quick completion of formalities. Immediately after exiting into the general arrival hall, you will find official taxi counters, currency exchange points, and representatives of car rental companies. The Departure Zone is more spacious: after check-in and security screening, passengers enter a comfortable waiting lounge. Here, Duty-Free shops, several cafes, and comfortable seats at the gates are at their disposal. Thanks to the compactness of the terminal, the path from the entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive.

Check-in and security screening at Sulaimaniyah Airport usually take less time than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This time will be enough to go through all procedures without rushing, have a coffee, and visit the shops. For navigation, use the clear signage, which is duplicated in English.

Sulaimaniyah International Airport (ISU) is one of the youngest and most modern airports in Iraq. Its history does not date back to the distant past, but it is a shining example of the rapid development and openness of the region. The airport was officially opened for international flights in July 2005, becoming an important symbol of growth and stability for the city of Sulaymaniyah and the entire province.

The construction of the airport was dictated by the need to create a modern transport hub capable of accepting international flights and meeting all global standards. Unlike many airports that went through a long journey from military airfields to civil hubs, ISU was designed and built from scratch as a fully-fledged international airport. This allowed for the immediate integration of the most modern technologies and solutions available at the time for passenger service and cargo transportation into its infrastructure.

Since its opening, Sulaimaniyah Airport has become a key link connecting the region with the Middle East and Europe. Its development proceeded at a rapid pace: flight geography constantly expanded, the number of partner airlines increased, and passenger traffic grew. The airport has not undergone massive reconstructions, as its original design was calculated for the long term, but its infrastructure is regularly modernized to maintain high service standards.

Interesting fact: the airport was built in record time thanks to the joint efforts of local authorities and international partners. Today, it plays a crucial role not only in the development of tourism and business but also in humanitarian missions, serving as a reliable gateway to the region. Its history is a story of how modern infrastructure can become a catalyst for economic and cultural development.

Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU), located in Iraq, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions have been created in the terminal so that your journey begins and ends with maximum convenience.

Available to travellers are various cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack before departure, enjoy local and international cuisine, or drink a cup of coffee. In the departure zone, Duty Free shops operate, offering a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, sweets, and souvenirs. For a more comfortable wait, VIP lounges with an enhanced level of service are provided.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones and handle work matters. Special stations are equipped for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be resolved at bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs located within the terminal building.

The airport cares about the safety and health of its guests: a medical point operates here around the clock, ready to provide first aid. For passengers travelling with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped. Special services and assistance are also provided for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and escort upon request.

Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal grounds, several accommodation options can be found in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services may be available, allowing you to hold a meeting or work in a quiet environment.

In Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU), the choice of dining establishments is quite modest, yet passengers can find everything necessary for a snack or a full meal while waiting for a flight. It is important to understand that the airport is not a major hub, so variety is limited here.

All establishments are concentrated in the main terminal. In the public area (landside), before passing through security, a small coffee shop usually operates. This is a convenient place to drink aromatic coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich while saying goodbye to those seeing you off. The main dining points are located in the secure area (airside), after passport control.

In the departure hall, there is typically one main restaurant with a serving line (self-service format), offering both hot dishes and cold appetizers. Here you can find international options (for example, pasta or grilled chicken) as well as try local cuisine. This is a great opportunity to enjoy traditional food of Iraq before departure — look out for hearty kebabs, biryani (spiced rice), or dolma.

For a quick snack in the departure zone, packaged sandwiches, salads, chips, and soft drinks are also available. Almost all food offered at the airport is Halal. Vegetarians will be able to find salads, vegetable side dishes, and hummus. However, the choice for vegans or passengers on a gluten-free diet is extremely limited, so it is recommended to bring your own snacks.

Prices at the airport can be characterized as moderate; they are comparable to the cost of food in other regional airports. The opening hours of catering establishments depend directly on the flight schedule so that passengers of morning and evening flights have time to eat.

To ensure your journey through the international airport in Sulaymaniyah goes smoothly, use these tips. Plan your arrival at the airport well in advance — at least 2.5-3 hours before the departure of international flights. This will give you enough time to go through all formalities without rushing, which may take longer than expected.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. However, be prepared for several stages of security checks. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely and be one of the first to exit the aircraft.

Pay close attention to hand luggage regulations. Standard international restrictions on liquids (containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) apply here as well. Sharp objects and other dangerous items are prohibited. You will likely be asked to remove all electronics, including laptops and power banks, from your bag for separate scanning. It is better to clarify your airline's rules in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you have a transfer in Sulaymaniyah, immediately after arrival, find information about your next flight and the boarding gate number on the board. Clarify whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. When passing through customs control in Iraq, be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and declare goods if necessary. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after security screening, and light snacks.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Contact the airline representative to learn about your rights, including the provision of meals or hotel accommodation during long delays. The airport offers basic amenities, including cafes and shops, which will help pass the waiting time.