FlyErbil breaks away from virtual airline model with new Iraqi AOC

Iraqi airline FlyErbil is preparing to expand its operations under its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC), ending its previous reliance on other carriers’ operating licences. The development was highlighted by the airline’s management on November 1, 2026, following the company’s certification by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) in October.

FlyErbil CEO Lawand Mamondy announced the transition during an event at Erbil International Airport, explaining that the new certification allows the airline to conduct flights under its own name rather than relying on operators such as Iraq’s UR Airlines.

The ICAA issued the AOC on October 20, 2026, with FlyErbil officially announcing the achievement two days later. The certification formally recognises the company as an independently certified Iraqi air carrier and provides the regulatory basis for developing its own flight operations.

Previously, FlyErbil operated as a virtual carrier, marketing flights while arranging for other airlines to provide the aircraft and conduct the services under their respective AOCs. According to ch-aviation, its flights were previously operated under the certificate of UR Airlines.

The basis of FlyErbil’s fleet

FlyErbil’s transition towards independent operations has been accompanied by the acquisition of its first Airbus A320-200.

The aircraft, registered as YI-EBL (manufacturer serial number 3460), arrived at Erbil International Airport on October 9, 2026, following a ferry flight from Istanbul. The aircraft is configured with 180 seats in a single-class economy layout.

Originally delivered to Virgin America in 2008, the aircraft subsequently operated for Alaska Airlines, Canada Jetlines and Marathon Airlines before joining FlyErbil. Aircraft tracking and fleet database information records its entry into service on October 16, 2026.

A second A320-200, identified by manufacturer serial number 3536, is also associated with the airline. However, ch-aviation lists the aircraft as stored and awaiting delivery, with no confirmed date for its entry into service.

The development of an in-house fleet is particularly relevant under revised Iraqi aviation regulations. According to industry reporting, the applicable requirements stipulate that commercial operators must be certified to operate at least one aircraft that is not wet-leased from another airline.

This requirement makes the establishment of independent operating capabilities an important part of FlyErbil’s transition from a virtual carrier to a certified airline.

FlyErbil targets expansion across Europe and the Middle East

With its own AOC secured, FlyErbil intends to develop direct connections from Erbil to other Iraqi cities and international destinations.

The airline has outlined plans to expand its network across the Middle East and Europe. A proposed schedule circulated in October 2026 included destinations such as Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Hannover, Frankfurt, Cologne/Bonn, Munich, Berlin, Copenhagen, London and Istanbul. Amsterdam was also included in separate reporting on the airline’s proposed network.

However, these destinations should be regarded as planned network ambitions rather than confirmed scheduled services. FlyErbil has not published a definitive timetable establishing when its independent operations to each destination will begin.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Erbil, FlyErbil commenced commercial operations in June 2018, initially relying on other operators to provide flight capacity.

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