Sulaymaniyah International Airport will increase its flights to Turkey starting next March. Airport officials confirmed the plan and said travel demand continues to rise. The move comes after Turkey reopened its airspace to the city late this year. The airport team believes the new schedule will help stabilize travel links and support economic activity.
Director of Media and Communications Dana Mohammed spoke about the expansion. He said the airport will raise its weekly flights to Turkey from four to eight next March. He added that the airport handled only three flights when it reopened earlier. However, the number quickly increased as airlines returned to normal operations. He said the schedule will soon match the period before Turkey suspended flights.
The Turkish government lifted its airspace ban on October 9. Turkish aviation authorities closed the airspace on April 3, 2023. They also extended the ban many times due to political and security tensions. The decision affected travelers, airlines, and businesses that relied on stable air links. The reopening created relief for passengers and renewed confidence in the airport’s future.
A flight from Turkey returned to Sulaymaniyah on November 3. It departed on November 2 and marked the first connection since the long suspension. This flight symbolized the start of a gradual recovery for the airport. Airport officials said travelers welcomed the return and filled many available seats. Airlines also began planning new schedules to keep up with demand.
Initially, the airport handled four incoming and four outgoing flights each week. These flights helped restore basic travel needs and reconnect families across borders. Airlines monitored the demand and increased their operations when they saw consistent growth. The airport team expects even stronger numbers next year as travel continues to improve.
Moreover, airport managers said more airlines may return soon. They said several companies already contacted the airport about possible expansion. They also stressed that stable airspace conditions encourage more investment in the aviation sector. Travel agencies in the region also reported rising bookings for Turkey. Many passengers travel for medical care, tourism, education, or business. The increased flights will support these travelers and reduce ticket prices.
Authorities in Sulaymaniyah say the airport holds an important role in the region’s economy. The increase in flights strengthens trade and tourism. It also helps maintain strong links with Turkey, a major partner for many businesses in the Kurdistan Region.
The airport will finalize its new schedule in the coming weeks. Officials expect March to mark the full return of normal flights to Turkey. They also believe the expansion will create further growth throughout the year.
