The displayed fares were last found on: Sun | 04 October 09:22 AM(EST) . Fares are round trip.
The table lists fares for return flights to Basra with noted carrier. The fares are based on a historic data (date, time mentioned). Fares are non-warranted and subject to change. The cost of plane tickets to Basra comprises of base fare, fuel surcharges, airport/airline taxes, and our service fee. Baggage fee could be additional. Check our Terms and Conditions for details.
Basra, Iraq Travel Guide
Basra, or Basrah, which in Arabic means “the overwatcher” is an Iraqi city located on the Shatt al-Arab between Kuwait and Iran. Some connects its nomenclature with its origin as an Arab military base against the Sassanids. Many argue that the name is derived from the Aramaic word basratha, meaning “place of huts, settlement”.
The city has got a plethora of sightseeing and entertainment options for its visitors. Sinbad Island, Sayab statue, Basra Museum, Sayyed Ali al-Musawi Mosque and Sayab’s house ruins are a few to name. In addition, there are boats to help you short cruise along the Shatt al-Arab.
Basrah is connected with the US cities by means of flagship carriers only. Connecting flights have their layover at DXB, IST, ORD, etc.
Geography of Basrah
Basra is on the bank of Shatt-Al-Arab waterway, which makes its way to the Persian Gulf. Basra is roughly 110 km (68 mi) from the Persian Gulf. The city shares its eastern border with the Shatt-Al-Arab and western border with Basra waterways. The city administrations have found ways to keep Basra cool and saturated. It has a complex network of canals and streams to support transportation. These have also become point of tourist attractions.
Airport in Basra
Basrah International Airport
Official Name: Basrah International Airport
Airport Code: BSR
Location: The airport is in the southern city of Basra
Hub for: Iraqi Airways
Interesting Facts about the Airport: The airport serves the public and military aviation purposes, and it’s recognized as the 2nd busiest airport in Iraq.
Airlines Operating Flights to Basra from US Cities
| Destination + Airport Code | Airlines | Connecting Airport |
| From SFO to BSR | Emirates Royal Jordanian Alaska Airlines Qatar Airways Jetblue Airways United Airlines Middle East Airlines Lufthansa Turkish Airlines Austrian Airlines Brussels Airlines British Airways |
Dubai, DXB New York, JFK Amman, AMM |
| From LAX to BSR | Turkish Airlines Qatar Airways Emirates Royal Jordanian Jetblue Airways United Airlines Middle East Airlines Lufthansa Austrian Airlines British Airways Brussels Airlines |
Istanbul – IST New York – JFK Amman – AMM |
| From ORD to BSR | Turkish Airlines Royal Jordanian Emirates Qatar Airways United Airlines Middle East Airlines Lufthansa Austrian Airlines British Airways |
Dubai – DXB Amman – AMM New York – JFK La Guardia – LGA |
| From JFK to BSR | Royal Jordanian Turkish Airlines Emirates Qatar Airways |
Dubai International Airport DXB |
| From IAH to BSR | Emirates Qatar Airways Royal Jordanian Lufthansa Middle East Airlines Austrian Airlines British Airways Brussels Airlines |
Dubai – DXB Chicago – ORD |
| From PHL to BSR | Qatar Airways American Airlines Royal Jordanian Air Canada Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines United Airlines Lufthansa |
La Guardia – LGA Amman – AMM Doha – DOH |
| From DFW to BSR | Qatar Airways Emirates American Airlines United Airlines Turkish Airlines |
Doha – DOH Dubai – DXB Houston – IAH |
| From IAD to BSR | Turkish Airlines Qatar Airways United Airlines Lufthansa British Airways Brussels Airlines Austrian Airlines |
Istanbul – IST Doha – DOH Frankfurt – FRA |
| From ATL to BSR | Turkish Airlines Qatar Airways Jetblue Airways |
Istanbul – IST Doha – DOH New York – JFK |
Airlines Operating Flights to Basra from Non-US Cities
| Destination + Airport Code | Airlines | Connecting/Layover Airport |
| From DEL to BSR | Turkish Airlines Emirates Qatar Airways Vistara Flydubai British Airways |
Hyderabad – HYD Dubai – DXB |
| From DXB to BSR | Emirates Flydubai Middle East Airlines Turkish Airlines Oman Air Qatar Airways |
Beirut – BEY Istanbul – SAW Istanbul – IST |
| From HKG to BSR | Turkish Airlines Qatar Airways Emirates China Airlines Cathay Pacific |
Istanbul – IST Doha – DOH |
| From SIN to BSR | Turkish Airlines Qatar Airways Emirates British Airways |
London – LHR Doha – DOH London – LGW |
| From TYO to BSR | Turkish Airlines Qatar Airways Emirates British Airways |
Istanbul – IST Tokyo – NRT |
| From BKK to BSR | Qatar Airways Emirates |
Doha – DOH |
| From DOH to BSR | Qatar Airways (Nonstop) Middle East Airlines Flydubai |
Beirut – BEY Kuwait – KWI |
| From AUH to BSR | Turkish Airlines Oman Air Qatar Airways |
Istanbul – IST Doha – DOH |
Flight Distance, Time and Time Difference
If you are flying to Basrah for the first time, you are likely to have this question on your mind. We appreciate your eagerness. The table below lists the flight distance and flight time from a few cities in the US to Basrah. Iraq and the US are geographically apart, and this distance leads to a huge time difference between the departure and arrival cities, which you must take note of. In addition, mind the transfer time you are to spent at the connection airport(s) enroute.
| Route | Flight Distance | Flight Time | Time Difference |
| San Francisco (SFO) to Basrah (BSR) | 7,697 miles/12387 km | 15 hours 54 minutes | BSR is 10 hours ahead |
| Los Angeles (LAX) to Basrah (BSR) | 7,893 miles/12703 km | 16 hours 17 minutes | BSR is 10 hours ahead |
| Chicago (ORD) to Basrah (BSR) | 7,893 miles/12703 km | 16 hours 17 minutes | BSR is 08 hours ahead |
| New York (JFK) to Basrah (BSR) | 6,276 miles/10100 km | 13 hours 03 minutes | BSR is 07 hours ahead |
| Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) to Basrah (BSR) | 7,026 miles/11308 km | 14 hours 33 minutes | BSR is 10 hours ahead |
| Boston (BOS) to Basrah (BSR) | 6,086miles/9795km | 12 hours 40 minutes | BSR is 07 hours ahead |
| Minneapolis (MSP) to Basrah (BSR) | Minneapolis (MSP) to Basrah (BSR) | 13 hours 53 minutes | BSR is 08 hours ahead |
Best Time to Visit Basrah
The best time to visit Basrah is from October to mid-April. The number of visitors takes a plunge in summer, from May to September. The upper marks of the mercury swings between highs of 90s and lows of 100s degree Fahrenheit. Showers starting with the fall season starting with October brings temperature into comfortable range.
Top Attractions in Basrah
1. Basra Museum
Opened in September 2016 in the former Lakeside Palace of Saddam Hussein, Basra Museum has become one of the most visited place in Iraq. It celebrates the rich culture, art and history of the country and region. The museum is funded and supported by an organization named The Friends of Basrah Museum. FOBM received a UK Cultural Protection Fund and Grant award in December 2016. The museum entry fee is: Iraqi citizens $1, foreign visitors $10.
2. Old mosque of Basra (Mosque of martyr Hassan)
Your visit to Basrah remains incomplete without a visit to the old mosque of Basra. The traditional mosque is dedicated to Al-Ḥasan ibn Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib, popularly known as Hasan or Hassan, who was the eldest son of Ali and Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah according to Quran. Hasan is revered as the second Imam who was known for his kindness, knowledge, tolerance and bravery.
3. Sayab’s House Ruins
The most famous home of the poet Badr Shakir al-Sayyab is worthy of your attention. This large mansion house is located between Upper Largo & Lundin Links in Fife. Much of the credit for restoring this historical building goes to James Durham. It was his massive efforts and funding that the building received Adam styled renovation in 1753. During the World War II, it served as HQ for the Independent Polish Parachute Brigade who fought under General Sosabowski in Operation Market-Garden and then it housed the Polish Military Geographical Institute until 1946.
4. Sayab statue (At al-Basrah Corniche)
Discover the life-like sculpture by the artist and sculptor nada’ Kadhum of this legendary poet (December 24, 1926 – December 24, 1964). Badr Shakir al Sayyab was well known throughout the Arab world and he stands as one of the most influential Arab poets of all time. His works have been translated in more than 10 languages including English, Persian, Somali and Urdu.
5. Sinbad Island
Ever read or heard of the voyages of Sinbad? If yes, here is a chance to experience those fantasies. Sinbad Island, a tourist landmark, named after Sinbad the Sailor, who embarked on his legendary journeys from Basra, is one of the top attractions in Basrah. The place has got parks and nightlife-clubs, and is loved by honeymoon as well as family vacationers with kids.
