Erbil tourism companies faces mounting losses as flight suspension continues for fifth day

ERBIL — Tourism companies in Erbil say they are suffering significant financial losses as Iraq’s airspace closure enters its fifth day, with flights grounded amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. Operators report widespread cancellations of tour packages, plane tickets, and hotel reservations, with some calling for compensation or rescheduling options once air travel resumes.

“This is the second time war has affected tourism in Erbil and Iraq generally,” said Fadi Noel, owner of TelSkuf Travel and Tourism. “Previously, the airport was shut down due to bombardments. That impacted our company, and we suffered losses as many group tours and hotel bookings were canceled.”

Erbil International Airport typically handles between 30 and 40 flights daily, including both commercial and chartered routes. With all air traffic halted, except for limited clearances at Basra International Airport to repatriate Iraqis stranded abroad, many travelers are now stranded abroad.

“Some passengers are stuck in other countries and want to return to Erbil,” said Bevan Fouad, owner of the Soft Wings agency. He said some travelers had received special authorization from the Kurdistan Region’s Department of Foreign Relations to reroute through Turkey, continuing by land from Sirnak to the Kurdistan Region via the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing.

Dani Badra, an employee at All WAY TRAVEL, said 35 of the agency’s booked flights were canceled. “They were on Iraqi Airways, Fly Cham, Middle East Airlines, and Fly Erbil,” he said. “We want to be financially compensated or have the travel dates adjusted when the airports reopen.”

Travel agencies said the industry has been forced to absorb the costs of hotel cancellations and refunds, leaving operators uncertain about how long they can sustain operations without regular flights. Some estimate the suspension could last through the end of June, depending on developments in the broader regional conflict.