An AEGEAN Airlines flight from Greece receives a water salute upon its arrival at Erbil International Airport, marking the launch of the first direct route between Athens and the Kurdistan Region. Photo by KRG website.
Weekly flights
Inaugural direct flight links Erbil and Athens, expands travel options
ERBIL — The first direct flight between the Kurdistan Region and Greece launched Sunday, ushering in a new era in air travel. The inaugural flight from Athens landed at Erbil International Airport and was operated by Greek carrier Aegean Airlines.
Aegean Airlines will now offer regular direct flights connecting Erbil and Athens, broadening travel options for passengers in both regions.
“This historic flight brings the people of the Kurdistan Region and Greece closer together,” said Nikolaos Stergioulas, Greece’s Consul General in Erbil, during a press conference on February 23, 2025. He expressed his excitement over the launch, adding, “Our Kurdish friends will enjoy Greece’s hospitality and high-quality travel services.”
Aegean Airlines was named “Best Regional Airline in Europe” at the 2024 World Airline Awards, earning the title for the 13th consecutive year and the 14th time overall in its 25-year history. The airline also secured second place in the “World’s Best Regional Airline 2024” category.
Erbil International Airport Director General Ahmed Hoshyar confirmed that “there will be two weekly flights between the two airports from now on.”
In a statement, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Media and Information Office announced that flight frequency is expected to increase in the future. “This aims to provide better services for the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq,” the statement read.