Lois Larson
Baghdad International Airport is Iraq's largest international airport, located about 16 km west of downtown Baghdad. It is the home base for Iraq's national airline, Iraqi Airways. In 2023, the Iraqi government approved plans to enhance services and expand the airport. Due to security concerns, the US government prohibits its personnel in Baghdad from using the airport. The US-led coalition forces invaded Iraq in 2003, took control of the airport, and renamed it Baghdad International Airport. In November 2023, the European Union banned Fly Baghdad from its airspace due to safety concerns, meaning no Iraqi airline can operate in the EU.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country whose airlines are banned from Baghdad Airport | European Union (EU) |
| Airlines banned from Baghdad Airport | Fly Baghdad |
| Reason for ban | Safety concerns |
| Country whose government personnel are banned from using Baghdad Airport | United States |
| Reason for ban | Security concerns, civil aviation risks |
| Country with a former air base on the west side of Baghdad Airport | United States |
| Country whose citizens face high risks in Iraq, including violence and kidnapping | United States |
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What You'll Learn
- The US and the UK imposed a no-fly zone on Iraq after the Persian Gulf War
- Royal Jordanian Airlines operated flights from Amman to Baghdad
- Sather Air Base was a US Air Force base on the airport's west side from 2003 to 2011
- The airport was targeted during the Gulf War, with aircraft destroyed by US or allied bombs
- The US government prohibits personnel from using Baghdad International Airport due to security concerns
The US and the UK imposed a no-fly zone on Iraq after the Persian Gulf War
Baghdad International Airport, previously Saddam International Airport, is Iraq's largest international airport. It is located about 16 km west of downtown Baghdad. The airport was opened for civilian flights of Imperial Airways in 1929. However, its full opening was delayed until 1982 due to the Iran-Iraq War.
In 1991, most of Baghdad's civilian flights stopped when the United Nations imposed restrictions on Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait. Following the Persian Gulf War, the US and the UK, along with France, imposed a no-fly zone on Iraq. This meant that Iraqi Airways could only operate domestic flights for limited periods. International charter flights carrying medicine, aid workers, and government officials were occasionally allowed into Baghdad. The US and the UK enforced this policy until 2003, when the invasion of Iraq rendered it obsolete.
During this period, Royal Jordanian Airlines operated regular flights from Amman to Baghdad. Despite the no-fly zone, the airport was officially opened to civilian flights in 2000. The embargo had prevented Iraqi citizens from using the airport for a decade. In 2003, US-led coalition forces invaded Iraq, took control of the airport, and renamed it Baghdad International Airport. Sather Air Base, a US Air Force base, was established on the west side of the airport and remained until 2011.
In 2003, the airport resumed civilian flights, and in 2004, civilian control was returned to the Iraqi government. In 2015, a Flydubai flight approaching Baghdad International Airport was hit by small-arms fire, injuring one passenger. Following this incident, Flydubai and Emirates suspended their flights from Dubai to Baghdad, and Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian also temporarily suspended their flights.
In 2023, the EU banned Fly Baghdad from its airspace due to safety concerns, but Iraqi Airways continues to operate flights to the EU.
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Royal Jordanian Airlines operated flights from Amman to Baghdad
Royal Jordanian Airlines operated regular flights from Amman, the capital of Jordan, to Baghdad International Airport (BGW/ORBI), previously known as Saddam International Airport, in Iraq. Baghdad Airport is located about 16 km (9.9 mi) west of downtown Baghdad and is the largest international airport in the country.
In 2000, the airport was officially opened to civilian flights, with Royal Jordanian Airlines providing regular services from Amman. This came after a period of restrictions on Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait in 1991, which included a no-fly zone imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom. During this time, Iraqi Airways could only operate domestic flights for limited periods, and international charter flights were restricted to carrying medicine, aid workers, and government officials.
Royal Jordanian Airlines' Amman-Baghdad route is notable for being one of the few direct connections between the two countries. The airline offers online check-in services for added convenience, allowing passengers to select their seats and complete their check-in up to 24 hours before departure. Additionally, passengers can book transportation to and from the airport through Royal Jordanian, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
The Baghdad International Airport has a history dating back to 1929 when it was first made available for civilian flights of Imperial Airways. However, its full opening was delayed until 1982 due to the Iran-Iraq War. The airport was renamed Baghdad International Airport in 2003 when US-led Coalition forces invaded Iraq and took control of the facility.
Today, the airport continues to undergo expansion projects to enhance its services. In 2023, the Iraqi government approved plans for the development of Baghdad Airport, with the final stage of its expansion expected to be reached in 2024. Despite security concerns and the volatile nature of the region, Royal Jordanian Airlines' Amman-Baghdad route remains operational, providing a vital link between Jordan and Iraq.
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Sather Air Base was a US Air Force base on the airport's west side from 2003 to 2011
Baghdad International Airport (IATA: BGW, ICAO: ORBI) is Iraq's largest international airport, located about 16 km west of downtown Baghdad. The airport was previously known as Saddam International Airport from 1982 to 2003, during which most civilian flights were halted due to United Nations restrictions following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.
Sather Air Base, also known as Camp Sather, was a United States Air Force base situated on the western side of Baghdad International Airport from 2003 to 2011. The camp was named after Combat Controller Staff Sergeant Scott Sather, who was the first enlisted airman to lose his life during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, also known as Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Sather was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his exceptional leadership of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron reconnaissance task force during the initial stages of the invasion.
Camp Sather was a unique base for the Air Force, as no aircraft were permanently based there. Instead, the camp served as a transit point for Iraqi Armed Forces personnel and equipment, providing security screening, vehicle transport, and passenger services. The 447th Expeditionary Group, later known as the 447th Air Expeditionary Group, was headquartered at Camp Sather, with around 1,300 airmen living and working there as of August 2003. The camp featured amenities such as air-conditioned tents and buildings, a laundry facility, and an air-conditioned chow hall.
During its existence, Camp Sather faced periodic rocket attacks. On December 6, 2006, a 107mm rocket landed near a parked C-5A aircraft, causing significant damage. Despite the dangers, Baghdad Airport Road, which connects the airport to the Green Zone, underwent a refurbishment in 2014 with the assistance of Turkey, transforming it from a route riddled with IEDs to a scenic pathway adorned with palm trees, manicured lawns, and a fountain.
In terms of country-specific restrictions, the United States government personnel in Baghdad are currently prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport due to security concerns. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued notices and regulations prohibiting certain flight operations within or near Iraq due to civil aviation risks. These restrictions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Iraq in maintaining a safe and secure environment for aviation activities.
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The airport was targeted during the Gulf War, with aircraft destroyed by US or allied bombs
Baghdad International Airport has been at the centre of several military operations and battles over the years. During the Gulf War in February 1991, five aircraft, including three Iraqi government executive jets and two Iraqi Airways Tu-124Vs, were destroyed on the ground at Saddam International Airport by US or allied bombs.
The airport was also a key target during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by US-led coalition forces. On April 3, 2003, US forces advanced on the airport, which was then known as Saddam International Airport. The airport was a strategic location, and by securing it, the coalition forces aimed to demonstrate their ability to move in and out of Baghdad at will. The invasion of the city began three days after coalition forces, led by Major General Buford Blount and the 3rd Infantry Division, had secured the airport.
The airport served as a hub for American logistics in Iraq for the next seven years. On April 11, 2004, a battle was fought at the airport between US army personnel and militants from Muqtada al Sadr's Mahdi Army. This battle involved truck drivers, air defence artillerymen, armour, military police, engineers, and logistics personnel. The US forces were confronted by a large-scale convoy ambush, with an estimated 200 trucks parked at the airport. Despite being outgunned, the militants put up fierce resistance, and the battle resulted in the awarding of several medals for heroism to US soldiers.
The airport has also been subjected to periodic rocket attacks. On December 6, 2006, a rocket attack landed close to a parked C-5A aircraft, damaging it with shrapnel. Additionally, flights to and from Baghdad International Airport have occasionally been suspended due to security concerns. For instance, in 2015, a Flydubai plane approaching the airport was hit by small-arms fire, injuring one passenger. Following this incident, flights by UAE carriers FlyDubai and Emirates, as well as Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian, were temporarily suspended.
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The US government prohibits personnel from using Baghdad International Airport due to security concerns
Baghdad International Airport (IATA: BGW, ICAO: ORBI) is Iraq's largest international airport, located in a suburb about 16 km (9.9 mi) west of downtown Baghdad. It is the home base for Iraq's national airline, Iraqi Airways.
In 2003, United States-led Coalition forces invaded Iraq and took control of the airport, changing its name from Saddam International Airport to Baghdad International Airport. Sather Air Base, a United States Air Force base, was located on the west side of the airport from 2003 to 2011. The airport has been the target of periodic rocket attacks, including a 107mm rocket attack in 2006 that landed near a parked aircraft. Due to security concerns, the US government prohibits its personnel from using Baghdad International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting certain flight operations due to civil aviation risks within or near Iraq.
US citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence, kidnapping, and attacks by terrorist and insurgent groups. Anti-US militias also threaten US citizens and international companies. These groups use improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles in their attacks, which occur in many areas, including major cities. The State Department requires US government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security measures due to these serious threats.
Demonstrations, protests, and strikes also occur frequently throughout the country and can turn violent. The Baghdad Airport Road, connecting the airport to the Green Zone, was once a dangerous route full of IEDs but was refurbished in 2014 with Turkish assistance. In 2023, the Iraqi government approved plans to enhance services and launch an expansion project for Baghdad Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The EU banned flights from Baghdad Airport in November 2023 due to safety concerns. UAE carriers FlyDubai and Emirates, as well as Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian, also temporarily suspended flights to Baghdad after a 2015 incident where a FlyDubai plane was hit by small-arms fire.
Following the Persian Gulf War, a no-fly zone was imposed on Iraq by the US and the UK, limiting Iraqi Airways to domestic flights. In 1991, the United Nations imposed restrictions on Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait, causing most civilian flights from Baghdad Airport to stop.
Baghdad Airport officially reopened to civilian flights on August 17, 2000, though flights resumed in July 2003.
Baghdad Airport, also known as Baghdad International Airport, is Iraq's largest international airport. It was previously named Saddam International Airport from 1982 to 2003 after the then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
