Kirkuk resumes direct flights to Istanbul after two-month suspension

KIRKUK — Kirkuk International Airport resumed direct flights to Istanbul on Sunday, operating four weekly services after a two-month suspension caused by the regional conflict between the United States and Iran.

The airport administration said flights will operate on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with plans to increase frequency and introduce night flights to meet growing demand. “The resumption of this route represents an important step in supporting travel movement from Kirkuk to Turkey and contributes to facilitating citizens’ mobility and stimulating economic and tourism activity in the governorate,” the statement said.

Kirkuk International Airport had resumed domestic operations on May 1 after a 60-day suspension, receiving its first flight from Baghdad. Baghdad International Airport has also seen a steady return of carriers, with around 20 to 21 airlines now operating there compared with 17 the previous week, and Turkish flights resuming to Baghdad on Thursday.

Iraq closed its airspace on Feb. 28 after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered missile and drone activity across the region. The Civil Aviation Authority reopened airspace and airports in April following a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.