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BSRlarge airport

Basra International Airport

Basra, Iraq
Explore Basra city guide Navigate to this airport
8
Routes out
7
Destinations
ORMM
ICAO
11 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Iraq's southern gateway serving the Basra oil region.

Opened
1974
Location
Basra, Iraq
Basra International Airport (IATA: BSR, ICAO: ORMM) is the primary commercial airport serving Basra, Iraq's second-largest city and the center of its oil industry. Located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of the city center, the airport handles both domestic and international traffic connecting southern Iraq to regional hubs. The airport underwent significant reconstruction and expansion following the 2003 Iraq War, during which it was used extensively by coalition military forces. Civil aviation operations were gradually restored, and the airport has since grown to accommodate increasing passenger demand driven by the oil and gas sector. Basra International serves as an important link for energy industry workers, business travelers, and local residents traveling to destinations across the Middle East and beyond. Iraqi Airways operates a significant number of flights from the airport, alongside several regional carriers.
Terminals
The airport has a main passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transport to Basra city center is available via taxis and private vehicles, with no formal metro or rail connection.
Airlines here
Iraqi Airways is the primary carrier, with additional services provided by FlyBaghdad, Air Arabia, flydubai, and other regional airlines.
Notable facts
  • ›Served as a major military airbase for coalition forces during and after the 2003 Iraq War.
  • ›Located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of Basra city center.
  • ›Sits near Iraq's largest oil fields, generating significant business aviation traffic.
  • ›The airport has seen fluctuating passenger volumes tied closely to regional security conditions.
  • ›Basra is Iraq's main port city and economic hub for the petroleum industry.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (7 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

BSR → DXBEK · 332
BSR → AUHEY · 320
BSR → DXBFZ · 73H
BSR → SHJG9 · 320
BSR → BEYME · 320
BSR → DOHQR · 320
BSR → AMMRJ · E95 E75
BSR → ISTTK · 738
Hotels near BSR

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City & Place Guide

Where the Shatt al-Arab meets ancient Mesopotamian history

Basra is Iraq's second-largest city and its only major port, sitting at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers where they form the Shatt al-Arab waterway. Once called the 'Venice of the East' for its network of canals, the city carries deep historical, cultural, and economic significance as the heart of Iraq's oil industry and a gateway to the Persian Gulf.

Despite the scars of decades of conflict, Basra is gradually rebuilding and reclaiming its identity. The old city retains glimpses of its Ottoman-era architecture, and the corniche along the Shatt al-Arab offers a lively waterfront atmosphere. Travelers who visit will find a city of resilient people, rich traditions, and a story that stretches back to the early Islamic caliphates.

  • •Shatt al-Arab Corniche — scenic riverside promenade ideal for evening walks
  • •Basra Old House Museum — restored Ottoman mansion showcasing traditional Gulf architecture
  • •Basra Museum — housed in a former Uday Hussein palace with regional artifacts
  • •Sinbad Island — legendary isle tied to the mythical sailor of the Arabian Nights
  • •Al-Ashar Creek — historic commercial canal lined with old merchant buildings
  • •The Great Mosque of Basra — prominent example of modern Islamic architecture in the city

Getting around: Taxis are the most practical way to get around Basra, with both metered cabs and negotiated-fare rides widely available. Shared minibuses and microbuses serve major routes at low cost but can be crowded. Ride-hailing apps have a limited presence. There is no urban rail; intercity travel to Baghdad and other cities is served by bus and shared taxis from the main transport hubs.

Best time: Visit between November and February when temperatures drop to a comfortable 15–25°C, avoiding the brutal summer heat that regularly exceeds 50°C.

Local food: Try masgouf (slow-grilled river fish), timman z'affaran (saffron rice), and fresh dates for which Basra's palm groves are historically famous.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via BSR? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Iraq from official government sources.

Iraq visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
Basra International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Basra International Airport is international airport in Iraq, serving the southern city of Basra. As of 2022, Basra International Airport is the fourth-busiest airport by total passenger traffic and aircraft operations in the country, behind the airports in Baghdad, Najaf and Erbil.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification