Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights to This Asian City After 2-Year Hiatus

ISTANBUL— Turkish Airlines (TK) has officially reinstated its scheduled flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) in Türkiye to Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU) in Iraq. This move brings back a direct air route that had been suspended since April 2023.

The service resumed on November 2, 2025, with an initial frequency of four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays between Istanbul and Sulaymaniyah.

Turkish Airlines Restarts Sulaymaniyah Flights

With this latest route, Turkish Airlines now operates to six destinations in Iraq, including Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Kirkuk, Najaf, and Sulaymaniyah. This reintroduction enhances the airline’s hub-and-spoke strategy via Istanbul Airport, broadening its presence in the Middle East.

The return of the Sulaymaniyah route expands the airline’s network in Iraq, helping to strengthen ties with the Kurdish region and connecting it to global travel options.

Looking ahead, Turkish Airlines plans to increase the frequency to daily flights starting March 27, 2026, this adjustment reflecting a commitment to the route.

This enhanced network not only boosts passenger connectivity but also improves cargo accessibility across the region, positioning the airline to capture both regional and international traffic.

Strategic Importance of Sulaymaniyah Connection

The revival of the Istanbul-Sulaymaniyah route holds considerable strategic significance for both the airline and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It allows for renewed connection to Istanbul’s expansive global network.

For Turkish Airlines, this route not only opens opportunities for revenue growth but also enhances trade and soft power benefits.

Describing Sulaymaniyah as a hub rich in cultural and natural wonders, Turkish Airlines emphasizes that this relaunch aims to foster closer economic and cultural relationships between Türkiye and Iraq.

Turkish Airlines Chairman, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, stated:

We are glad to relaunch our Sulaymaniyah flights, connecting this destination which boasts rich cultural and natural heritage to the world with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. With this route, we will not only further strengthen our presence in the region but also continue to contribute to the trade and cultural ties between Türkiye and Iraq.

Flight Schedule and Service Details

The flight service had been halted in April 2023 due to security concerns, including reports of militant activities near the Sulaymaniyah airport. The ban lasted for approximately 2.5 years, limiting travel options for the region.

The reopening signals that necessary regulatory approvals, safety assessments, and over-flight rights have been successfully reinstated.

Service began on November 2, 2025, with flights scheduled four times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Outbound flights from IST and return flights from ISU will depart late in the evening and early morning, allowing convenient travel options for passengers. Starting March 27, 2026, Turkish Airlines plans to enhance service to daily flights in response to expected demand growth.

Conclusion

The reinstatement of Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul–Sulaymaniyah service is a significant move in aviation, suggesting a renewed focus on a strategically vital route.

With initial planned flights set to four weekly departures and a transition to daily operations by Spring 2026, the airline reaffirms its engagement with Iraq’s Kurdistan Region as part of its extensive Middle Eastern network.

This route reflects broader opportunities not only for travel and tourism but also for fostering regional ties. What are your thoughts on this development in aviation connectivity?