Qatar Airways will expand its network in Iraq this summer by launching direct flights from its Doha (DOH) hub to two additional cities, bringing the airline’s Iraqi network to five destinations. Service to the southern port city of Basra (BSR) will begin on June 3, and flights to Sulaymaniyah (ISU) in northern Iraq will start on August 20.
Both routes will operate four times weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 144 seats in a two-class layout. The new connections come after the carrier worked with Iraqi authorities to reopen access and increase international service in parts of the country that have long faced travel restrictions.
“After years of restricted air access for foreign airlines in many parts of Iraq, Qatar Airways has been working with the authorities to open up services and are delighted to have expanded our operations there in such a short space of time, doing our bit in the country’s rebuilding efforts,” said Akbar Al Baker, chief executive officer of Qatar Airways.
The additions to Basra and Sulaymaniyah follow earlier route launches and reflect Qatar Airways’ broader strategy to strengthen connectivity across the Middle East. From its Doha hub, the airline now serves 125 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas, offering passengers increased options for both regional and long-haul travel.
Basra, an important Gulf port and economic center in southern Iraq, is expected to benefit from improved international links for business and tourism. Sulaymaniyah, located in the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq, is a cultural and commercial hub that will gain greater access to global markets and travel connections through the new service.
Flights on the new routes will use A320 aircraft that provide a two-class experience suitable for short- to medium-haul travel. Four weekly frequencies aim to balance demand and operational efficiency while giving travelers predictable options for planning trips to and from Iraq.
By increasing its presence in Iraq, Qatar Airways signals confidence in the country’s ongoing recovery and the potential for growing passenger and cargo demand. The expanded schedule also enhances Doha’s role as a regional transit point, allowing travelers from across the airline’s global network to connect to Basra, Sulaymaniyah and other Iraqi cities with fewer connections.
Passengers interested in the new services can check availability and book tickets through Qatar Airways’ official channels. As with all route launches, schedules and capacity may be adjusted based on demand and regulatory approvals.