Turkish Airlines Relaunches Direct Flights to Sulaymaniyah

By Jenny Susan / November 14, 2025

Dubai, UAE: Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries globally than any other, has relaunched its routes between Istanbul and Sulaymaniyah. The service had been paused in April 2023. Consequently, the flag carrier once again connects Iraq to the world with a total of six gateways. It already possesses a strong network in the country, including flights to Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Najaf.

Starting on 2 November 2025, flights between İstanbul Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport will operate with four weekly frequencies. Specifically, the airline will run these reciprocal flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Furthermore, the airline plans to increase the frequency to daily services beginning 27 March 2026, as part of the 2026 Summer Schedule.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, commented on the relaunch. “We are glad to relaunch our Sulaymaniyah flights,” he stated. He added that the route connects this destination, which boasts rich cultural and natural heritage, to the world. Ultimately, the service delivers the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. “With this route, we will not only further strengthen our presence in the region but also continue to contribute to the trade and cultural ties between Türkiye and Iraq.”

Winter 2025 Schedule (Local Times)

The flight schedule for the initial phase shows strategic timings. Flight TK 808 departs Istanbul (IST) at 22:30 and arrives in Sulaymaniyah (ISU) at 01:10 on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Conversely, the return flight, TK 809, departs Sulaymaniyah at 02:40 and arrives back in Istanbul at 05:40, also on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

Turkish Airlines guests can travel between Istanbul and Sulaymaniyah starting from USD 325. Thus, passengers access the flag carrier’s unrivalled global flight network. This network boasts 355 destinations in 131 countries worldwide.

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