Nation / PlaceIQ

Erbil International Airport

Iraqi Kurdistan's main airport, briefly closed on 24 July after six drones were intercepted nearby.

Last refreshed: 25 July 2026

Timeline for Erbil International Airport

#161 24 Jul

Six drones downed near Erbil airport

Iran Conflict 2026

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Background

Erbil International Airport (IATA: EBL), the main airport serving Iraqi Kurdistan, briefly closed on 24 July 2026 after six drones approached the area; five were shot down and one crashed into farmland nearby. No group claimed the attack and no casualties were reported before flights resumed.

The airport serves Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, and is run under joint Iraqi federal and Kurdistan Regional Government operation. It hosts a US consulate and Coalition military presence nearby and has periodically been targeted by drone and rocket attacks in past years, reflecting the wider contest for influence in Iraq between Washington, Tehran and Iran-aligned militias.

The strike came as Iraq was simultaneously being courted as a potential mediator in the Iran conflict, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi reported to have carried a US Ceasefire proposal to Tehran the same week. Baghdad is being asked to carry messages between belligerents while drones cross its own airspace to reach Kurdistan.

Common Questions

What happened at Erbil International Airport on 24 July 2026?

Six drones approached the airport; five were shot down and one crashed into nearby farmland, briefly closing the airport before flights resumed.Source:

Who was behind the Erbil drone attack?

No group claimed responsibility for the six drones intercepted near the airport on 24 July 2026.Source:

Where is Erbil International Airport?

It is the main airport serving Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq.Source:

Was anyone hurt in the Erbil drone attack?

No casualties were reported after the six drones were intercepted near the airport.Source: