Iraqi AirwaysIA

Iraqi Airways is the flag carrier airline of Iraq and one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, founded in 1945. Headquartered in Baghdad, the airline has played a central role in connecting Iraq to the world despite significant operational challenges due to regional instability over the decades.

The airline operates from its primary hub at Baghdad International Airport (BGW), with secondary operations at Basra International Airport (BSR), Erbil International Airport (EBL), and Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU). Iraqi Airways is not a member of any global airline alliance.

Iraqi Airways serves destinations across the Middle East, limited European routes, and connections to India. The carrier operates a fleet consisting primarily of Boeing 737 and Boeing 777 aircraft, focusing on connecting Iraqi communities worldwide and serving religious pilgrimage traffic.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (all passengers):

• Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 8" (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum
• Must fit in overhead bin or under seat

Business Class:

• Two cabin bags allowed
• Same dimensions and weight per piece

Economy Class:

• One cabin bag per passenger

Checked Baggage

Iraqi Airways offers a generous checked baggage allowance compared to many carriers.

Economy Class:

Route Type	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
All routes	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)

Business Class:

Bags Included	Weight per Bag
2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Infants (under 2 years):

• 1 bag included: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Collapsible stroller accepted free of charge

Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height) per bag

Excess Baggage Fees

Iraqi Airways charges for excess baggage by weight:

Excess Type	Fee
Per kg over allowance	$10 USD
Additional bag	Contact airline for rates

Payment: Excess baggage fees can be paid in USD or Iraqi Dinar (IQD) at airport counters.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

• Charged per kilogram over the allowance
• Maximum single piece weight: 32 kg (70 lbs)
• Bags over 32 kg not accepted as checked baggage

Oversized Bags (over 158 cm):

• 158-203 cm (62-80 inches): Contact airline for special arrangements
• Over 203 cm: May require cargo booking

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Wheelchair / mobility aids	Free	Advance notice recommended
Musical instruments	Standard	Cabin: must fit in overhead bin
Sports equipment	Standard	Subject to excess baggage fees
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at iraqiairways.com.iq before traveling.

Business Class

Boeing 777:

• Angled lie-flat seats on select aircraft
• Seat pitch: 60 inches (152 cm)
• Seat width: 20-21 inches (51-53 cm)
• Personal entertainment screen
• USB and AC power outlets
• Amenity kit provided on long-haul flights
• Priority boarding and dedicated cabin service

Boeing 737:

• Recliner seats with enhanced legroom
• Seat pitch: 38-40 inches (96-102 cm)
• Personal service with meal selection

Business Class Ground Services:

• Dedicated check-in counters
• Priority baggage handling
• Lounge access at select airports

Economy Class

Boeing 777:

• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Seat width: 17-18 inches (43-46 cm)
• Personal seatback entertainment screens on some aircraft
• USB charging available on newer configurations

Boeing 737:

• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches (76-79 cm)
• Seat width: 17 inches (43 cm)
• Limited overhead entertainment system
• Regional service focus

In-Flight Entertainment

Entertainment options vary by aircraft:

• Boeing 777: Seatback screens with Arabic and international content
• Boeing 737: Limited overhead screens or no IFE on shorter routes
• Arabic and Western movie selections
• Arabic and international music channels

Dining

Iraqi Airways provides complimentary meals on all flights.

Economy Class:

• Long-haul flights: Full hot meal service
• Regional flights: Light meal or snack service
• Middle Eastern and international cuisine options
• Halal meals served on all flights

Business Class:

• Multi-course meal service
• Choice of Middle Eastern and international dishes
• Premium beverages including Arabic coffee and tea

Special Meals: Pre-order dietary requirements when booking.

Booking:

• Book through official website or authorized travel agents
• Pay attention to baggage allowance—30kg is generous compared to most carriers
• Consider Business Class for long-haul comfort given limited premium options

At the Airport:

• Arrive early, especially at Iraqi airports where security is thorough
• Check visa requirements carefully—transit and entry rules vary
• Baghdad airport has limited lounge options; Business Class includes priority services

Baggage:

• Take advantage of the generous 30kg economy allowance
• Weigh bags at home—overweight fees charged per kilogram
• Pack essentials in carry-on given potential for delays

Route Selection:

• Direct flights from Iraqi cities can be more convenient than connections
• Erbil often has better European connections due to Kurdistan diaspora
• Consider Basra for Gulf connections if in southern Iraq

Connectivity:

• Iraqi Airways has limited codeshare agreements
• Book connections separately with care—allow ample connection time
• Travel insurance strongly recommended given regional uncertainties

Religious Travel:

• Iraqi Airways serves key pilgrimage routes (Jeddah, Najaf)
• Book early for Hajj and Arbaeen pilgrimage seasons
• Extra flights often added during religious periods

Common Issues:

• Schedule changes can occur—reconfirm flights 24-48 hours before departure
• Entertainment systems may be limited on older aircraft
• WiFi not available on most aircraft
• English-language customer service may be limited

Last verified: January 2025