Iraq's aviation sector charts recovery and ambitious future after regional conflict
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – In the wake of the recent regional conflict that saw its airspace closed for 12 days, Iraq is not only focused on immediate recovery but is also pushing forward with an ambitious, multi-faceted strategy to fundamentally overhaul its aviation sector. The plan includes a billion-dollar development project for Baghdad's main airport and a strategic modernization of its national airline, according to Nasser Al-Asadi, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Transport Affairs.
Al-Asadi confirmed the government has officially launched the project to develop Baghdad International Airport, noting it has not undergone any significant modernization in over 40 years. In a major shift in approach, the project is being structured as an investment opportunity to attract world-class private operators.
To ensure global standards, the government has tasked the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, as the lead consultant for the development and operation project. 'We have received the final offers from companies… and we are now in the evaluation stage, with the winning company to be selected in September,' Al-Asadi stated. The expected investment for this massive undertaking is approximately $1 billion.
Parallel to the airport's development is the modernization of the national carrier, Iraqi Airways. Al-Asadi detailed the progress in updating the fleet, which now includes five new Airbus A220 aircraft and the first two of five Boeing Dreamliner 787s.
However, a critical hurdle remains: the European flight ban currently imposed on the airline. Al-Asadi stressed that the airline is awaiting the lifting of this ban, which is essential for its plans to expand its route network. Once lifted, the airline will re-evaluate its needs before entering into new aircraft acquisition deals.
Addressing the immediate aftermath of the recent 12-day Iran-Israel-US conflict, Al-Asadi acknowledged that air traffic was directly impacted, with flights halted based on security protocols. He highlighted the crucial role Basra International Airport played during the crisis, successfully handling all incoming international flights and enabling a smooth restoration of passenger movement. 'We hope after the end of the war that we can restore Iraq's airspace [as an overflight corridor], as it represents an important economic resource for the state,' he said. With flights now being gradually rescheduled, the focus is on a full return to normalcy while building a more resilient and modern future for the sector.
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