Travelling from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF): what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Istanbul. Explore your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when organising your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF).
Approximately 3 hours 1 minute is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport.
Najaf (where Al-Ashraf International Airport is located) and Istanbul share the UTC+3 timezone. You'll have no time difference to factor in for your trip.
With 6 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF) is the busiest route. Turkish Airlines operates the earliest flight at 01:20. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from IST to NJF is with Iraqi Airways at 13:00.
To ensure you catch your flight from Istanbul to NJF, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during high season in general.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can take a direct flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF) out of Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
When jetting out of IST, you can catch a direct flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport with Iraqi Airways.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Istanbul to NJF. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
From the centre of Istanbul, IST is approximately 48 kilometres away. Use navigation apps or check the official airport website to find the best way to get there.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport, these stays will have you moments from your departure lounge:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Looking to fly out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)? You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF) out of this hub.
Maximise your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you'd like to do, check out these options between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and NJF:
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
On public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away, and making the trip by car will take approximately 57 minutes.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before your flight from Istanbul to NJF? Check in to a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
About Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF)
Stay moments from the tarmac after your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport. Granada Hotel is a comfortable option close to NJF. Or check in and enjoy some rest at Royal Eagle Hotel before heading to your final destination.
Getting from Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF) to central Najaf
From Al-Ashraf International Airport, Najaf is approximately 23 kilometres away. It takes around 29 minutes to reach the centre driving.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF)
Lock in a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport from $402 or travel return from just $598. Prices are accurate at the time of listing and may change based on availability when you book.
We recommend booking 8 months before your planned departure. Flight price data suggests you're more likely to score flight tickets from Istanbul to NJF around that time.
The cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly if you're flexible with your departure dates.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's an incredible deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from searching for flight tickets from Istanbul to NJF every day.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport (NJF)
April is the quietest time to fly to Najaf. Alternatively, follow the crowds and take off in August. This is the most popular month for flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport, but the best time to go is your call.
Think about the kind of weather that'll suit your plans for Najaf. The warmest month is July. Book your flights from Istanbul to NJF during then and you can expect temperatures of between 29ºC and 47ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport in January when temperatures average between 4ºC and 20ºC.
More about Najaf
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Najaf right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Al Sahlah Great Mosque, Great Mosque of Kufa and Al-Najjar Mosque are essential stops on your Najaf itinerary.
Complete your Najaf trip with a car rental
Hop behind the wheel of one of our car rentals in Najaf and explore at your own pace. Easily compare prices from trusted providers in one place after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Istanbul to Al-Ashraf International Airport.