ERBIL - Erbil International Airport reported a 37% increase in travelers using the airport in 2011. Established in 2004, Erbil International operates 60 flights a week to and from 25 countries worldwide. The airport was expanded in 2010 and it is claimed its runway is the longest in the Middle East and the fifth on the world level, after China, Russia, South Africa and the U.S.

In a press release Erbil Airport Manager Talar Fayaq said more than 620,000 people used the airport in 2011. He predicted the airport could see further increases in the number of visitors and the amount of transported goods in 2012.

“Though fewer airline operators are willing to open new routes to Erbil Airport, I expect shipments will increase to Kurdistan via the Erbil International Airport as the needs for imported goods is on the rise in Kurdistan.”