Basra Airport
Lasting Impressions....
Memorable comments left by travellers:
"There is a little coffee shop that is open all night (a guy sleeps on the floor by the machines, wake him if you need anything)" (Laura)
FEATURED REVIEWS
by Laura
"I ended up spending about 14hrs at Basra International Airport waiting for an Royal Air Force passenger flight from Iraq to Qatar, and on to the UK.Check in is compulsory 6 hours before the aircraft is due to depart, so expect long waits - especially if followed by inevitable delays due the RAF aircraft breaking. There is a little coffee shop that is open all night (a guy sleeps on the floor by the machines, wake him if you need anything) and a small gift/refreshments shop with a similar sleeping attendant.The floor is made of marble and is fairly clean (if a little dusty) but really hard and uncomfortable to sleep on. There is a wide screen TV by check-in that only seems to show BBC News 24 or football, and there are a few rows of plastic garden chairs if you need respite from the floor. There are fridges dotted around with free bottled water, which is a relief, but the only toilets are chemical portaloos down a corridor and outside on the taxi area. Be warned they are in a FOUL condition, stinking, falling apart, devoid of toilet paper and lights, and there's nowhere to wash your hands (there are some bottles of disinfectant gel dotted around, but its still grotty). There are no showers, and no running water available.If you want to sleep you will be left alone, but bear in mind that military personnel will not make the effort to be quiet around you - and will carry on telling smutty jokes at full volume - as they are all able to sleep through it. Although the terminal is air conditioned it's still quite hot, so a towel or sheet will suffice instead of a sleeping bag.You will be shuffled from departure lounge to departure lounge (about 4 in all) on the way to your flight - the best is the first one (some big comfy armchairs available, plus carpeted floor and a soldier selling sweets) - after that its grotty bucket seats again.Sleeping is possible, but earplugs and an eye mask would be a good idea, and expect to be woken frequently to be informed about delays and to be moved on to the 'next' departure lounge. Pack plenty of provisions and your sense of humour!"
Airport Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date experiences:
- 24 hour coffee shop
- fairly clean
- plastic garden chairs
- filthy bathrooms
- noisy
- air-conditioned, but still hot
Discount Travel Links
- Hostels and Budget Accommodation - I've booked my own accommodation on this site. If you are too old for hostels and too cheap for hotels, like me, you'll find some good properties. They offer dorms, private rooms, B&Bs, Apartments.
