Erbil to London direct flight signifies strengthened KRG-UK ties
This historic flight occurs as the Kurdistan Region expands direct flights to numerous European countries, making the direct flight to London a first for the region.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The director of Erbil International Airport (EIA), Ahmed Hoshyar, announced the commencement of the first direct flight between Erbil and Britain's Gatwick Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airport's operations and highlighting its adherence to international regulations and standards.
In an interview with Kurdistan 24, Hoshyar stated, "Since 2005, this is the first time in Iraq that a flight ticket has been printed from Erbil Airport with the words 'Erbil-Gatwick London' on it."
Read More: Direct flights between Erbil-London announced
He elaborated on the efforts made over the past three months to establish this connection, noting, "We have worked diligently to integrate the tourist information system with the United Kingdom so that the data is verified by UK authorities, ensuring that any fraudulent data is promptly rejected."
On Sunday, 123 tourists traveled to London on the inaugural flight, while another 131 tourists returned, Hoshyar reported.
This historic flight occurs as the Kurdistan Region expands direct flights to numerous European countries, making the direct flight to London a first for the region.
On Friday, Hoshyar Ahmed officially announced the opening of the direct air route between Erbil and London.
The Consul General of the United Kingdom in Erbil, James Goldman, welcomed this development, stating that it "will deepen bilateral relations between the two parties."
He expressed optimism that this direct flight would facilitate "better and easier visits for the people of the Kurdistan Region to the United Kingdom."