✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
Qayyarah West Airport (IATA: RQW) is a medium airfield in northern Iraq, located west of Qayyarah town in Nineveh Governorate, about 60 km south of Mosul. Originally an Iraqi military airbase, it became a key staging and logistics hub during the 2016–2017 Mosul offensive after being retaken from ISIS. Today it supports military, humanitarian, and limited civilian operations with basic airfield infrastructure.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors confirm airfield status and ground transport before arrival—military and logistics movements can take priority, and ride-hailing or walk-up taxis are generally not available at the field.
🚖 Getting There
Road access is via local highways linking Qayyarah town and Mosul; public transport is very limited, so arrange a private car, taxi, or official ground transport in advance. Security checkpoints and road conditions can change quickly, so allow extra time and confirm routes with local authorities or your host. The airport is west of Qayyarah, and signage may be sparse, so a local driver is recommended.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Qayyarah West Airport located?
A: It is in Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq, west of Qayyarah town and roughly 60 km south of Mosul.
Q: What is the airport code for Qayyarah West?
A: The IATA code is RQW; the ICAO code is not listed in this profile. It is also known as Qayyarah Airfield West or Q-West.
Q: Is Qayyarah West Airport open for commercial passenger flights?
A: It mainly operates as a military and logistics airfield, so scheduled civilian passenger service is limited or irregular. Travelers should verify current status with Iraqi aviation authorities or operators.
Q: What is the airport's history?
A: It was an Iraqi military airbase, later used by U.S. forces, seized by ISIS in 2014, and retaken by Iraqi and coalition forces in 2016. It then served as a staging base for the Mosul offensive and has undergone repairs.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash