A strategically important airport and one of the key hubs for northern Iraq, Erbil International Airport is once again establishing itself as a well organised and pleasant starting point for both leisure and business trips. Passengers flying from Erbil with Qatar Airways will find it a friendly and welcoming airport that puts a real emphasis on personal service. Relatively new with expansion plans in the pipeline, Erbil International Airport has one of the longest runways in the world, and is capable of catering for the largest passenger aircraft such as the Airbus 380.

Fly to Shanghai with Qatar Airways and discover the beating heart of China, where East meets West and towering skyscrapers sit alongside ancient pagodas, in an exciting fusion of old and new.

Check the price of flights to Shanghai further below and book Economy or Premium Class flights to Shanghai with Qatar Airways to experience a taste of the Orient.

A strategically important airport and one of the key hubs for northern Iraq, Erbil International Airport is once again establishing itself as a well organised and pleasant starting point for both leisure and business trips. Passengers flying from Erbil with Qatar Airways will find it a friendly and welcoming airport that puts a real emphasis on personal service. Relatively new with expansion plans in the pipeline, Erbil International Airport has one of the longest runways in the world, and is capable of catering for the largest passenger aircraft such as the Airbus 380.

Transportation and parking

Transport to and from Erbil International Airport should be arranged in advance by your hotel or business contacts, as security is still extremely tight in the region. Public transport is very limited and somewhat sporadic, so the most practical and reliable method of travelling to the airport is either using a hire car, a shuttle service (provided by some major hotels), or by pre-arranged taxis. Parking at the airport is limited, although this is set to improve in the future as the airport grows in importance as a commercial hub for the region.

Arriving at the airport

Passengers flying from Erbil with Qatar Airways depart from the main building’s Departure lounge. There are VIP and CIP lounges available in the terminal for VIPs, dignitaries and First Class passengers. Be aware that security in this part of Iraq is exceptionally tight and thorough. Allow at least two to three hours for check-in and to clear security checks. It is important to ensure all your paperwork is in order before you arrive at the airport.

Facilities and amenities

The airport is home to modern and efficient facilities. Duty Free shops offer a wide range of goods including luxury items and perfume, and food vendors offer a selection of snacks and beverages for waiting passengers. ATMs and currency exchange facilities are available, although Wi-Fi can be a little sporadic and patchy. Other facilities include mother-and-baby changing areas, disabled assistance and some limited business services.

There’s one word that describes Shanghai – huge. Home to more than 23million people, this vast city is the largest in mainland China and one of the world’s most prosperous metropolitan areas, making it a magnet for business travellers, investors and entrepreneurs. The sheer scale of Shanghai can leave you breathless, but if you plan your journey carefully before you arrive you will be able to see some of the most incredible juxtapositions between ancient and modern culture anywhere in the world.

Book a flight to Shanghai with Qatar Airways and you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes from people who embrace visitors from all over the world (Shanghai is home to more than 9 million immigrants).

Tourist attractions

Shanghai is split into two districts by the Huangpu River - Puxi and Pudong. Puxi is the older of the two, with the majority of modern Shanghai (including the business district) housed in Pudong. To escape the frenetic pace of life of the city head for the beautifully manicured Yuyuan Gardens, which is dotted with classical architecture (although you may have to struggle through the street vendors at the gates). The Bund and the French Concession transports you back to 1920s Shanghai, while modern architecture is well represented in and around Pudong's Lujiazui District.

One of the more unusual attractions is Zhujiajiao Water Town, a classic ‘water village’ that’s over 400 years old and with a signature five-arch bridge spanning the Cao Gang River. It’s a maze of paths and bridges, and is also home to two impressive temples.

Other temples throughout the city that are well worth adding to your itinerary include the Jade Buddha Temple, Jing'an Temple, Chenghuang and Longhua Temple. To catch a truly breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city head up to the observation point on the Oriental Pearl Tower. To learn more about the history and culture of Shanghai dating back to the Bronze Age, pay a visit to the well-run Shanghai Museum.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Shanghai with Qatar Airways land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Shanghai please check the visa and passport requirements.