Erbil International Airport (EBL)
Erbil International Airport (IATA: EBL) is the main gateway to Iraqi Kurdistan and one of the busiest airports in Iraq. It's well positioned — very close to the Ankawa district and a short drive from central Erbil — making arrival and onward travel straightforward. This guide covers everything from getting through arrivals to reaching your hotel and first steps in the city.
📋Airport basics
Erbil International Airport handles significant international traffic — Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Austrian Airlines, and many regional carriers fly into EBL. The terminal is modern and well maintained. Arrivals is straightforward: passport control (visa on arrival available for many nationalities), baggage collection, and a small arrivals hall. Currency exchange and ATMs are available in the terminal. The airport Wi-Fi works reasonably well.
🚕Getting from the airport to the city
Taxis are the main option from Erbil airport. You'll find official taxis outside arrivals — agree a price before getting in. To Ankawa expect to pay around 7,000–15,000 IQD ($5–10 USD); to central Erbil around 10,000–20,000 IQD ($7–15). Prices are very negotiable.
InDriver (a ride-hailing app popular in Erbil) works from the airport and typically gives you a transparent price. Download it before you arrive. Private hotel transfers can also be pre-arranged from most hotels. There is no public bus service from the airport.
🏨Hotels near Erbil airport
Ankawa — which is only 5–10 minutes from the airport — has the highest concentration of hotels in Erbil, making it the natural choice for airport-proximity accommodation. The Ankawa Royal Hotel and Ankawa International Hotel are the main business hotels. Several smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses have also opened in recent years. Staying in Ankawa puts you close to the airport and also close to Erbil's best bars and restaurants.
💱Money, SIM cards and practicalities
Currency exchange booths are available in the terminal — rates are reasonable. ATMs accept international cards. Iraqi Dinars (IQD) are the local currency; US dollars are accepted in most hotels and tourist-facing businesses. SIM cards for local networks (Asiacell, Korek, Zain) can be purchased at shops in the terminal and throughout the city. Mobile data is affordable and coverage is good across Erbil.
Also in Erbil
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the IATA code for Erbil airport?
- EBL. Erbil International Airport's IATA code is EBL. It is also known as Erbil International Airport (Arabic: مطار أربيل الدولي).
- How far is Erbil airport from the city?
- The airport is about 7 km from Ankawa (5–10 minutes by taxi) and about 15 km from central Erbil and the Citadel (15–20 minutes). It's very conveniently positioned close to the Ankawa entertainment district.
- Can I get a visa on arrival at Erbil airport?
- Yes. Iraqi Kurdistan offers visa on arrival (sometimes called a tourist stamp) for most Western nationals and many others at Erbil International Airport. The fee is typically $75–80 USD for a 30-day stay. Check current rules before travel as policies can change. For the latest requirements, check the Kurdistan Regional Government's official channels.
- How much does a taxi from Erbil airport cost?
- To Ankawa: approximately 7,000–15,000 IQD ($5–10). To central Erbil: 10,000–20,000 IQD ($7–15). Prices are negotiable — agree before getting in. InDriver gives a transparent price if you prefer an app.
- Which airlines fly to Erbil airport?
- Major airlines serving EBL include Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Qatar Airways (Doha), flydubai (Dubai), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), and several regional and charter carriers. Connections via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and Amman are the most common routes from Europe and beyond.