ISTANBUL— Turkish Airlines (TK) has officially resumed scheduled service from Istanbul Airport (IST), Türkiye to Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU), Iraq, re-establishing a direct air link that was suspended in April 2023.
The airline resumed service on November 2, 2025, initially operating four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays between Istanbul and Sulaymaniyah.
Turkish Airlines Restarts Sulaymaniyah Flights
Turkish Airlines now serves six destinations in Iraq: Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Kirkuk, Najaf, and Sulaymaniyah. With Sulaymaniyah’s return to the roster, the airline reinforces its hub-and-spoke strategy through Istanbul Airport and strengthens its footprint across the Middle East.
The reintroduction of this route expands the carrier’s Iraqi network to six cities, as it reinforces its position in the region and reconnects the Iraqi Kurdistan region to its global reach.
The airline has announced plans to upgrade the frequency to daily service as of 27 March 2026 under the 2026 summer schedule, signaling a firm commitment to the corridor.
This network depth provides enhanced connectivity for passengers and cargo across the region and positions the airline to tap both intra-regional and onward traffic flows.
Strategic Import of Sulaymaniyah Link
The reopening of the Istanbul–Sulaymaniyah route holds significance beyond aviation operations. For the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, it restores direct access to Istanbul’s extensive global network.
For the carrier, it represents not only incremental revenue but also soft-power and trade linkage benefits.
Turkish Airlines described Sulaymaniyah as a destination rich in cultural and natural heritage, and stated that the relaunch contributes to economic and social ties between Türkiye and Iraq.
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat said:
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 route had been suspended as of April 2023 when Türkiye imposed a ban on flights to and from Sulaymaniyah following security concerns, including allegations of illicit militant activity at the airport and surrounding region.
The ban lasted approximately 2 and a half years, during which connectivity between the region and Türkiye was effectively restricted. The reopening indicates that the requisite regulatory clearances, over-flight rights, and safety assessments have been revisited and approved.
Commencing 2 November 2025, the service will run four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Under the winter schedule, outbound departures from IST and returns from ISU will operate late in the evening and early morning, respectively, enabling day-end departures from Istanbul and early arrival in Sulaymaniyah.
From 27 March 2026 onwards, Turkish Airlines will transition to a daily operation, reflecting anticipated growth in demand and confidence in the route’s viability.
Bottom Line
Turkish Airlines’ reinstatement of its Istanbul–Sulaymaniyah service marks a pragmatic restoration of a strategically valuable route.
With four weekly departures anchored for launch and a daily frequency set for spring 2026, the airline is reaffirming its commitment to Iraq’s Kurdistan Region as part of its broader Middle-East network.
Given the multi-dimensional benefits for connectivity, trade, and tourism, the route relaunch carries significance beyond mere schedule announcements and speaks to revived regional engagement through aviation.
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