Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Erbil Starting at $53

The Istanbul — Erbil route is served by a wide range of airlines: 5 in total, including Pegasus Airlines, Valuair, Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Air Arabia. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $53. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.

Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as Turkey’s primary international hub, handling long-haul and transfer traffic for flag and full-service carriers as well as many global airlines. Located about 35–45 km north of the historic center, it’s typically perceived as the more premium option and can be reached by taxi (roughly 35–60 minutes, fares vary by route and time), Havaist and IETT express buses (about 45–75 minutes, modest fares), or the suburban rail network where available. Pros: modern facilities, extensive connections, and ample lounges; cons: longer transfer times to central districts and occasional heavy traffic on road links. Suitable for international and onward-connection travelers prioritizing service and connectivity. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) operates mainly as a budget-friendly and domestic-leaning airport on Istanbul’s Asian side, hosting many low-cost carriers and some scheduled international routes. It sits roughly 30–45 km from the old city depending on traffic, and is typically viewed as the more economical choice for point-to-point travelers. Main transport options include Havatas/Havaist buses and public buses (about 60–90 minutes), shared shuttles and taxis (roughly 40–70 minutes, fares vary), and limited rail connections via planned extensions. Pros: often lower fares and shorter queues for low-cost carriers; cons: fewer direct long-haul connections and longer crossings if you need to reach the European side.

Erbil International Airport (EBL) is the region’s main international gateway and typically serves a mix of full-service carriers, regional airlines, and budget operators connecting Iraq, the Gulf and parts of Europe and Asia. It is positioned as a hub for Erbil and the Kurdistan Region, so fares can be competitive for direct routes but may rise on peak dates. The airport sits roughly 10–15 km northeast of Erbil city centre; road transfer by taxi or private car usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, with fixed-fare taxis and airport shuttles commonly used. Travelers can expect basic but functional facilities, relatively short walking distances, and straightforward security lines, while limited late-night public transport and occasional congestion at peak hours can be minor drawbacks.