Air travel from the Kurdistan Region to international destinations has returned to normal operations. However, passengers now pay significantly higher ticket prices than before the conflict. Airlines and tourism operators link this rise to fuel costs and ongoing regional instability.
Industry representatives say airlines face higher operating expenses, which they pass on to passengers through increased fares.
Jet fuel prices have increased sharply and remain a major factor behind higher ticket costs. Before the conflict, one gallon of aviation fuel (about 3.8 liters) cost between $2 and $4.
Today, the price ranges from $5 to $7 across airports in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. This jump has raised airline operating costs and directly influenced ticket pricing.
Ata Anwar, head of the tourism companies’ association in Sulaymaniyah, said prices have stayed high since the conflict began. He also said travel demand has dropped due to uncertainty in the region.
Airlines now operate with fewer passengers on many routes. This lower demand makes it harder for companies to reduce fares or offer discounts. Airfare comparisons show a clear rise in travel costs.
A round-trip flight from Sulaymaniyah to Spain via transit previously cost about $450. The same route now costs around $650. Flights from Sulaymaniyah to Turkey increased from $150 to as high as $560.These increases reflect both fuel inflation and weaker market stability across the aviation sector.
Anwar expects further price increases as the summer travel season approaches. He noted that ticket prices usually rise during peak tourism months, and current conditions may push them even higher.
Despite higher prices, airlines continue operating scheduled flights. Fly Erbil executive director Lawand Mamondi confirmed that daily direct flights run from Erbil International Airport to Turkey and several European cities.
He said one-way tickets to Turkey start at $299. Round-trip fares to Europe begin at $550 and may rise depending on demand.
Higher fuel costs, reduced passenger numbers, and regional instability continue to reshape air travel in the Kurdistan Region. Industry experts expect prices to remain high and possibly increase further in the coming months.
