Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base (IATA: BGW, ICAO: ORBI) serves Baghdad, IQ. It has 64 scheduled routes to 36 destinations in 21 countries, operated by 27 airlines.
- Ongoing Modernization and Expansion: The airport is in the final stages of a major expansion plan, aiming to increase its capacity to 15 million passengers annually and enhance overall services. Terminal upgrades and apron expansion are underway to increase passenger and cargo handling capacity. A new consortium was selected in November 2025 to operate and modernize the airport.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Baghdad International Airport consistently implements stringent security measures, which are crucial for passenger safety in the region. Advanced security screening systems are being deployed to enhance operational efficiency.
- Essential Facilities Available: The airport offers essential services including various shops, dining options, and lounges, with continuous efforts to improve these amenities. The main passenger terminal has been renovated and upgraded in recent years.
- Improved Parking System: Upgrades to the airport's parking system have been implemented to reduce heavy traffic and long queues at exit gates through automation and expansion.
- Increasing Connectivity: Passenger traffic has shown a year-over-year increase, reflecting improved connectivity and stability for Iraq.
- Limited Public Transportation: Formal public transportation options like buses or trains are currently not available directly from Baghdad International Airport. Travelers primarily rely on official airport taxis or pre-arranged private transportation services to reach the city. Self-drive car rental is extremely rare and not advised for visitors.
- Basic Facilities Compared to Global Hubs: While renovations have occurred, the facilities at Baghdad International Airport may still be considered basic when compared to major international aviation hubs. Older reports mention issues with cleanliness, particularly regarding toilets, though efforts are being made for overall service improvement.
- Time-Consuming Security and Immigration Processes: Due to severe security measures, travelers should anticipate potentially long wait times and allow a significant amount of time (e.g., at least 5 hours before departure) to navigate multiple security checkpoints and immigration.
- Historical Reports of Unprofessional Behavior: Older anecdotal reports include instances of unprofessional behavior, such as bribery demands at immigration and difficulties with security staff communication. While recent initiatives focus on service enhancement, these past issues highlight areas for continuous improvement in staff conduct.
Bottom line: Baghdad International Airport is actively working towards improving its infrastructure and services, driven by significant recent investments and a new management partnership. Travelers should prioritize pre-arranging reliable ground transportation and allocate ample time for security and immigration procedures, while anticipating an airport environment that is undergoing a transformative period.
Routes from BGW
36 nonstop destinations · 27 airlines.
Airlines at BGW
27 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base (BGW) offers 64 flight routes operated by 27 airlines. Major carriers include Iraqi Airways, UR Airlines, Turkish Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Baghdad include Istanbul Airport, Queen Alia Int'l, Beirut Air Base/Rafic Hariri Int'l (Beirut Int'l), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int'l, Dubai Int'l.
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Common questions about BGW
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from BGW?
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base has 64 scheduled routes to 36 destinations in 21 countries, operated by 27 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base?
27 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Iraqi Airways, UR Airlines, Turkish Airlines.
Where is Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base located?
Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base is located in Baghdad, IQ, at an elevation of 114 ft. Its IATA code is BGW and ICAO code is ORBI.