Fly Erbil says it currently operates more than 30 to 40 flights each week to over 15 countries. The airline also plans to expand its services from Sulaymaniyah International Airport.
Rising global aviation fuel prices have increased airline operating costs. According to Fly Erbil aviation expert Muhannad Ahmed Mir, fuel prices rose sharply this year.
He said a barrel of aviation fuel cost around $90 last year. However, the price has now exceeded $160.
As a result, fuel costs have pushed up air ticket prices. Mir said airlines have increased ticket prices by around 20% to cover higher expenses.
The aviation sector also faces challenges from changes in foreign currency services.
Mir said the previous tourism dollar service at Erbil International Airport has stopped. The change has affected passenger numbers and tourism activity in the Kurdistan Region.
Some travelers now use airports in other Iraqi provinces. For example, some passengers from Erbil travel to Kirkuk before continuing their international journeys.
Mir called for a fair tourism-dollar system across Iraq. He said equal access could support airlines and the wider tourism sector.
He also stressed the strong link between aviation and the economy. Tourists bring foreign currency into the local economy. Therefore, fewer visitors can reduce income for hotels, restaurants, transport companies and other businesses.
Fly Erbil operates direct international flights from Erbil International Airport. Its destinations include Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
The airline also operates daily flights to Türkiye and other regional destinations. According to company figures, Fly Erbil has operated nearly 10,000 flights since its establishment.
The airline also plans to launch flights from Sulaymaniyah International Airport. Turkish airspace restrictions had prevented the company from operating there.
Mir said the company expects to begin services from Sulaymaniyah after the restrictions end.
Fly Erbil operates Airbus A320 aircraft. Major European and Gulf airlines also use the same aircraft type.
Mir said every aircraft must meet strict safety requirements before operating a flight. He also highlighted the importance of Kurdish-language services.
Providing announcements and services in Kurdish can help passengers understand instructions. It can also make Kurdish travelers feel more comfortable during their journeys.
