Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways is the government-owned flag carrier of Iraq and operates as a full-service national airline focused on connecting Iraqi cities with regional international destinations. From a traveler’s perspective it provides basic full-service features on scheduled flights but has a smaller international footprint compared with large regional or global carriers.

The airline concentrates on domestic and Middle Eastern routes with select longer international services; it is not part of a major global alliance, so international connectivity and partner benefits are more limited than you’d find with alliance members.

Frequent Flyer - Iraqi Airways

Iraqi Airways does not offer a widely recognized global frequent-flyer program with extensive partner earning and redemption options comparable to big international carriers; any local loyalty arrangements are limited in scope. Travelers who fly frequently on this carrier should check directly with the airline about any available loyalty features, but many frequent travelers instead credit travel to programs of partner airlines where possible.

Where Iraqi Airways Flies

Iraqi Airways is the national carrier of Iraq and operates primarily from Baghdad International (BGW), with services also operating from airports such as Basra (BSR) and Erbil (EBL). The airline’s route network centers on domestic flights within Iraq and regional international connections across the Middle East and Persian Gulf, with more limited services to other international destinations. It is not a member of a major global airline alliance, and its commercial reach beyond direct routes is more limited than alliance carriers, so travelers should check available codeshares or interline options on a case-by-case basis.

Aircraft and Cabin Classes

Iraqi Airways operates a mixture of short- and medium-haul narrowbody aircraft for domestic and regional services and uses larger widebody aircraft on longer international sectors. Cabins are typically configured with economy throughout the fleet and a business-class section on select aircraft; there is no widely available first-class product on most services. Expect a straightforward onboard product focused on basic seat comfort and meal service on longer flights rather than premium amenity offerings.

Aircraft types operated: Douglas DC-3, Vickers Viking, Vickers Viscount 700, de Havilland DH.104 Dove, Hawker Siddeley Trident, Boeing 707, Boeing 727-200, Boeing 737-200, Boeing 747-200, Boeing 747SP, Antonov An-12, Antonov An-24, Antonov An-26, Tupolev Tu-124, Ilyushin Il-76

Tips for Flying Iraqi Airways

• Confirm schedules and connections with the airline before travel, as routes and timings can change with limited notice.
• Check visa and entry requirements well in advance when traveling to or transiting through Iraq and carry printed copies of travel documents.
• Book directly with the airline or a reputable agent if you need flexible rebooking or assistance, since third-party support can be limited.
• Allow extra time at Iraqi airports for check-in and security formalities, and contact the airline ahead of time for special assistance or oversized baggage.