XQC - Joint Base Balad
Al Bakr, Iraq
IATA Code: XQC · Al Bakr, Iraq
The airport code XQC is the IATA identifier for Joint Base Balad. You may also find it referred to as Al Bakr Airport (XQC).
Joint Base Balad (XQC) serves Al Bakr, Iraq, in the Middle East fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
XQC is the IATA airport code for Joint Base Balad, located in Al Bakr, Iraq. The airport is situated at coordinates 33.9402°N, 44.3616°E. The current jet fuel price in the Middle East region is $4.90/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Middle East)
$4.90/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- XQC
- City
- Al Bakr
- Country
- Iraq
- Timezone
- Asia/Baghdad
- Latitude
- 33.9402°
- Longitude
- 44.3616°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Middle East
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from XQC
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGW - Baghdad | 76 km | $1,043 | $2/passenger |
| TQD - Al Taqaddum | 97 km | $1,331 | $3/passenger |
| KIK - Kirkuk | 170 km | $2,332 | $5/passenger |
| IQA - Al Asad | 178 km | $2,442 | $5/passenger |
| IIL - Ilam | 193 km | $2,648 | $5/passenger |
| ISU - Sulaymaniyah | 200 km | $2,744 | $5/passenger |
| NJF - Najaf | 217 km | $2,977 | $6/passenger |
| RQW - Qayyarah | 232 km | $3,183 | $6/passenger |
| EBL - Erbil | 258 km | $3,540 | $7/passenger |
| KSH - Bakhtaran | 261 km | $3,581 | $7/passenger |
| SDG - Sanandaj | 282 km | $3,869 | $8/passenger |
| OSM - Mosul | 285 km | $3,910 | $8/passenger |
| KHD - Khorram Abad | 367 km | $5,035 | $10/passenger |
| HDM - Hamadan | 398 km | $5,461 | $11/passenger |
| YKO - Hakkari | 402 km | $5,515 | $11/passenger |
| DEF - Dezful | 411 km | $5,639 | $11/passenger |
| DEZ - Deire Zor | 411 km | $5,639 | $11/passenger |
| ACP - Maragheh | 411 km | $5,639 | $11/passenger |
| OMH - Uromiyeh | 419 km | $5,749 | $11/passenger |
| NKT - Cizre | 434 km | $5,954 | $12/passenger |
| KAC - Kamishly | 447 km | $6,133 | $12/passenger |
| RAE - Arar | 453 km | $6,215 | $12/passenger |
| JWN - Zanjan | 480 km | $6,586 | $13/passenger |
| RAH - Rafha | 487 km | $6,682 | $13/passenger |
| BSR - Basrah | 488 km | $6,695 | $13/passenger |
| TBZ - Tabriz | 496 km | $6,805 | $14/passenger |
| MQM - Mardin | 497 km | $6,819 | $14/passenger |
| KHY - Khoy | 502 km | $6,887 | $14/passenger |
| SXZ - Siirt | 503 km | $6,901 | $14/passenger |
| AWZ - Ahwaz | 503 km | $6,901 | $14/passenger |
| AJK - Arak | 506 km | $6,942 | $14/passenger |
| VAN - Van | 512 km | $7,025 | $14/passenger |
| BAL - Batman | 531 km | $7,285 | $15/passenger |
| ABD - Abadan | 538 km | $7,381 | $15/passenger |
| PMS - Palmyra | 560 km | $7,683 | $15/passenger |
| DIY - Diyabakir | 577 km | $7,916 | $16/passenger |
| GZW - Ghazvin | 577 km | $7,916 | $16/passenger |
| TUI - Turaif | 582 km | $7,985 | $16/passenger |
| MRX - Bandar Mahshahr | 587 km | $8,054 | $16/passenger |
| MSR - Mus | 587 km | $8,054 | $16/passenger |
| NAJ - Nakhchivan | 592 km | $8,122 | $16/passenger |
| OMI - Omidyeh | 596 km | $8,177 | $16/passenger |
| RAS - Rasht | 606 km | $8,314 | $17/passenger |
| ADU - Ardabil | 609 km | $8,355 | $17/passenger |
| SFQ - Sanliurfa | 610 km | $8,369 | $17/passenger |
| AKW - Aghajari | 613 km | $8,410 | $17/passenger |
| AJF - Al-Jawf | 613 km | $8,410 | $17/passenger |
| PYK - Karaj | 624 km | $8,561 | $17/passenger |
| KWI - Kuwait | 626 km | $8,589 | $17/passenger |
| GNY - Sanliurfa | 629 km | $8,630 | $17/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your XQC Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Middle East region has jet fuel priced at $4.90/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from XQC
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Al Bakr
Al Bakr enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures generally range from 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F) throughout the year. Early morning and late evening flights can offer relief from daytime heat during summer. Pack layers for air-conditioned terminals.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through XQC
Located in the Asia Pacific fuel pricing region, XQC is part of one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. Asian airports often feature extensive shopping, dining, and transit accommodation options. Visa requirements vary widely across Asian countries, so travelers are advised to verify entry requirements well in advance of their trip.
Planning Your Trip via XQC
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Joint Base Balad
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from XQC
- Fuel impact awareness: The Middle East region currently prices jet fuel at $4.90/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to XQC are BGW, TQD, KIK — consider these for potentially lower fares