(Turkiye has extended its flight ban on Sulaimani International Airport for another three months, pushing the suspension of flights and overflights involving Turkish airspace to January 6, 2026.) The measure, first imposed on April 3, 2023 over security concerns tied to alleged Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) activity in Sulaimani province, was due to lapse on October 6, 2025 but now remains in place through the start of next year. The ongoing flight ban continues to disrupt travel plans, trade, and family ties across the region.
Officials in the Kurdistan Region say they have pressed for a resolution through diplomatic channels, yet the policy stands. The ban covers all direct flights between Türkiye and Sulaimani International Airport and also blocks routes that would cross Turkish airspace. That restriction affects a broader set of carriers, as many flights to and from Sulaimani normally rely on Turkish skies for shorter flight paths and connections.
Extension timeline and scope
- Initial ban date: April 3, 2023
- Latest extension end date: January 6, 2026
- Stated reason: Security concerns linked to alleged PKK activity in Sulaimani province
- Scope: All flights to and from Sulaimani International Airport that would involve Turkish airspace are affected
Regional aviation sources note the ban’s reach extends beyond nonstop links. A traveler flying from Sulaimani to a European hub, for example, may face cancellations or longer routings if the original path crossed Turkish airspace. That translates into higher fares, missed connections, and lost time for passengers, and a tougher environment for local businesses that rely on fast access to markets.
Diplomatic efforts led by the Kurdistan Regional Government have continued since the initial imposition, but the extension to January 6, 2026 signals that the security calculus in Ankara has not shifted. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, flight bans of this sort often ripple through cargo schedules and tourism flows, putting pressure on airport revenues and on workers tied to ground services, hotels, and retail near terminals.
Impact on travelers and airlines
Travelers report having to rebook through alternative carriers and circuitous routes that avoid Turkish airspace. While some airlines have resumed or maintained services into Iraq, they have had to plan flight paths carefully.
- Example: Qatar Airways has resumed operations in Iraq, including flights to Sulaimani, but routes serving Sulaimani are planned without Turkish overflight due to the continuing ban. This keeps some connectivity alive while still respecting current restrictions.
Personal and operational impacts include:
- Families: longer itineraries, extra nights away, higher costs, and missed life events
- Students: trouble returning to universities on schedule after breaks
- Patients: longer travel time and uncertain timetables for medical care abroad
- Small businesses: delayed shipments, lost contracts, spoilage of time-sensitive goods
- Airport vendors: lower sales from reduced passenger throughput
- Airport authorities and crews: complex scheduling, longer flight plans, increased fuel and operational costs
The policy backdrop remains sensitive: Türkiye’s stated concerns center on alleged PKK-linked activity in Sulaimani province. While the PKK has since announced its dissolution and disarmament, that declaration has not led to the lifting of restrictions.
Ankara has not indicated that the group’s announcement changes its assessment of the security risk tied to air links involving Sulaimani International Airport.
Diplomatic and industry response
The Kurdistan Regional Government continues to pursue engagement aimed at restoring normal aviation ties with Türkiye. Any shift would likely involve security assurances and technical steps that satisfy Turkish authorities and give carriers confidence to plan schedules months ahead.
Airlines need stability to sell tickets and assign aircraft. Uncertainty around expiration dates—such as the move from the expected October 6, 2025 end date to the new January 6, 2026 horizon—can stall broader network planning.
Industry effects commonly observed when air corridors shrink:
- Reduced foreign investment visits and slower business travel
- Higher freight costs and rerouted cargo affecting delivery windows
- Seasonal tourism declines and challenges recruiting specialists
- Shifts of shipments to alternative airports, lowering Sulaimani’s logistics role
For background on how Türkiye’s aviation regulator manages such matters, readers can consult the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s resources at the official site of Türkiye’s civil aviation authority: Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Practical advice for passengers
For now, passengers can take several practical steps:
- Check booking details closely and confirm whether your flight plan crosses Turkish airspace.
- Build extra time into itineraries, especially for international connections.
- Consider carriers that publish routes avoiding Turkish skies for Sulaimani services.
- Monitor airline notices and airport advisories for last-minute changes.
- Keep proof of onward travel and accommodation details handy in case of rerouting.
Airlines and travel agents also advise verifying visa and entry rules for any added transit points that may appear in reworked itineraries. While the flight ban is an aviation measure, not an immigration rule, a change in route can send a traveler through a country with different document requirements. This is especially important for students and families with residency permits tied to study or work abroad who must pass through multiple airports.
Policy paths to reopening
From a policy standpoint, officials often look to de-escalation measures that can steadily reopen skyways. Typical approaches include:
- Technical talks on flight safety and air traffic coordination
- Data sharing between civil aviation bodies
- Phased restoration of specific routes under set conditions
- Coordinated notices to airmen and airspace advisories to guide airline planning
A clear roadmap—whether through phased permissions, limited overflights, or a full reopening—would help airlines rebuild schedules and give travelers confidence to book.
Human and community impact
Community leaders in Sulaimani stress the human side: students missing exam dates, parents trying to meet newborn grandchildren abroad, and business owners anxious about payroll after quiet months at the airport. Each extension forces another round of adjustments.
- Some families save for more expensive tickets; others postpone trips altogether, living apart a little longer.
- Airport vendors and service workers face reduced income and uncertainty.
- Local businesses worry about logistics and lost contracts.
As the new end date of January 6, 2026 approaches, stakeholders will watch for signs of movement. Until then, the best advice remains simple: plan early, stay flexible, and check for updates from your airline, the airport, and official aviation channels.
This Article in a Nutshell
Türkiye extended its flight ban affecting Sulaimani International Airport through January 6, 2026. Initially imposed on April 3, 2023 over security concerns tied to alleged PKK activity in Sulaimani province, the restriction covers direct flights and any routes that would cross Turkish airspace. The extension disrupts travel, trade, and family ties by causing longer routings, higher fares, missed connections, and logistics challenges for businesses. Qatar Airways and other carriers have adapted by planning routes that avoid Turkish overflight. Kurdistan Regional Government officials continue diplomatic efforts, but Ankara has not altered its assessment. Passengers should verify bookings, allow extra time, and monitor airline and airport advisories as stakeholders await possible phased reopenings tied to security assurances.
