Book flights to Erbil (EBL) from Istanbul(IST)

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When you fly from Istanbul to Erbil with Qatar Airways, every detail is carefully designed to make your journey exceptional from the moment you board. Experience renowned hospitality as our attentive cabin crew welcomes you, ensuring you are well cared for throughout your flight. Step into a modern aircraft interior, where spacious seating and elegant design create a relaxing atmosphere. Settle in and explore Oryx One, our award-winning in-flight entertainment system, offering thousands of movies, TV shows and games. Whether you prefer a light snack or full-course meal, enjoy a menu of gourmet cuisine, freshly prepared and inspired by global flavours. With plush pillows, soft blankets and luxury amenity kits, you can rest in unmatched comfort and arrive feeling refreshed.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport provides a modern and efficient starting point for your international travels from Istanbul. Located on the Asian side, this departure point ensures a relaxed experience thanks to friendly staff focused on outstanding passenger service. When planning your journey, remember that IST is one of two Istanbul airports, so ensure you are at the correct one.

For transport, regular buses connect the airport to the nearest Metro station and the city centre, typically taking 30-45 minutes. Taxis are widely available, but consider asking your hotel concierge to book an official metered taxi for you, or use SAWKOOP taxis for fixed-price transfers. Parking is available in the four-storey car park next to the main terminal, which offers 4,700 spaces.

Allow ample time for your departure, as security checks are particularly tight; aim for one and a half to two hours before boarding to complete check-in and security. Within the main terminal, you will find 112 check-in desks and 24 online check-in counters, along with several VIP and business/first-class passenger lounges. Comfort is key here, with spacious waiting areas, mother and baby rooms as well as prayer rooms. Stay connected using the airport Wi-Fi, available for a fee, or use the fixed internet kiosks. Before you board your flight, explore the shopping area, which houses several high-quality outlets selling watches, perfumes, leather goods and accessories.

Discover Erbil, the vibrant and historic capital of the Kurdistan Region, renowned as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends a deep-rooted past with the energy of a modern hub. Your exploration will naturally begin at the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Erbil Citadel, which dramatically dominates the city's skyline from its ancient mound, or 'tell'. Below the Citadel, you can wander through the lively main square and delve into the labyrinthine Qaysari Bazaar. Here, centuries of trade come to life, offering a sensory feast of local handicrafts, traditional fabrics, and delicious Kurdish sweets. For a peaceful break from the bustling city, take a relaxing walk in Sami Abdurrahman Park, one of the largest urban parks in the Middle East. The city also showcases impressive modern architecture, including the grand Jalil Khayat Mosque, famous for its beautifully tiled interiors. This fascinating destination offers you a direct link to Mesopotamian history, a world waiting to be explored atop its ancient Citadel.