Erbil International Airport

Erbil International Airport (EBL), originally established in the 1970s and extensively renovated and reopened for international traffic in 2010, is the main gateway to Iraqi Kurdistan and a growing regional hub. The airport operates from one primary passenger terminal with ongoing expansions to handle rising traffic, serving both business travelers and the Kurdish diaspora. Located about 12 km from downtown Erbil (roughly a 15–20 minute drive), it’s connected by highway with taxis, private shuttles and limited bus services to the city and nearby destinations. Generally more affordable than larger Gulf hubs, EBL hosts regular services from carriers such as Turkish Airlines and flydubai and functions as a base for regional Kurdish airlines.