Latest news with #MaythamAl-Safi
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq advances major rail rehabilitation & Development Road project
Baghdad ( – Iraq's Ministry of Transport is making significant strides in rehabilitating its national railway network and advancing the strategic Development Road project, spokesperson Maytham Al-Safi announced. These efforts mark a new phase for Iraq's transport sector. Al-Safi highlighted the completion and reopening of 12 key railway lines, some after decades of disuse, including the Qayyarah refinery line in Mosul and the Baghdad-Fallujah passenger line. New projects are also underway, such as the Basra-Shalamcheh rail link with Spanish firm Imathia Construcción, vital for passenger transport. Additionally, 15 locomotives were rehabilitated in 2024. Regarding the ambitious Development Road, Al-Safi confirmed consultancy contracts have been signed with firms like BTP Engineering Consultants and Oliver Wyman for financial advisory. The project's route through 10 governorates has been approved, and cadastral maps for southern sections delivered. Full project details for the Development Road are expected by the end of 2025, preparing it for presentation to major international companies. These initiatives aim to modernize Iraq's transport infrastructure and boost regional connectivity.
Shafaq News
09-05-2025
- Shafaq News
Iraqi airports boost readiness: 5 – 6 daily pilgrims flights
Shafaq News/ Iraq is to run between five to six flights per day from all of its airports to transport Hajj pilgrims this year, a transport ministry official said on Thursday. Maytham Al-Safi, director of public relations and media at the Ministry of Transport, told Shafaq News that the state-owned General Company for Passenger and Delegations Transport is fully prepared for the operation. 'Transport operations will begin on May 13 and continue through May 20,' Al-Safi said. He added that all Iraqi airports and airspace are fully prepared, emphasizing that the movement of pilgrims will be carried out in close coordination with the Hajj and Umrah Commission. In 2024, Iraq was allocated 33,690 pilgrims for the Hajj season, with the Kurdistan Region receiving 13.9% of the total quota, which included guides, contractors, and administrative staff.
Iraqi News
09-03-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Baghdad International Airport development involves 26 projects
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Ministry of Transport revealed on Saturday that the development of the Baghdad International Airport is underway, noting that 26 projects are part of the development plan. The spokesperson for the Transport Ministry, Maytham Al-Safi, clarified that the General Company for Air Navigation Services (GCANS) is carrying out the ministry's development plan for Iraqi airports, which was initiated in mid-2024 and is overseen by the Iraqi Transport Minister, Razzaq Al-Saadawi. Al-Safi emphasized that an important part of this plan pertains to Baghdad International Airport, since it comprises 26 projects aiming to enhance the airport's infrastructure and services, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA). Al-Safi said in May that the development plan for Baghdad International Airport is based on the anticipated number of travelers, noting that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has reached the final phases of submitting a proposal for the development plan. A deal reached between Iraq and the IFC would facilitate the emergence of a competitive framework for further crucial infrastructure projects around the country. According to the deal, the IFC will serve as the main deal counselor for a public-private partnership (PPP) to modernize Iraq's largest international airport and bring its amenities and security up to par with global norms. Following approval from the government, the project would move to the bidding stage to attract private investors and operators. The project also aligns with Iraq's 2030 Vision for Sustainable Development, which aims to involve the private sector, diversify the economy, and lessen the reliance on oil revenues.
Shafaq News
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq: Beirut flights are uninterrupted, adds daily routes
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iraq's Transport Ministry dismissed reports of 'harassment' targeting Iraqi aircraft at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. Ministry spokesperson, Maytham Al-Safi, told Shafaq News that there was 'no information' regarding such incidents, emphasizing that operations are being conducted in accordance with regulations and without disruptions. Al-Safi noted that 36 flights have been or will be operated between February 1 and the end of the month, averaging one flight per day. He stated, 'Starting February 20, two daily flights will be scheduled to Beirut,' adding that the ministry aims to transport more than 6,000 Iraqi passengers and assured that flights are proceeding 'smoothly without any obstacles.' Global media reports recently suggested that Beirut's airport security had tightened measures on flights arriving from Iraq, subjecting them to rigorous inspections. According to Lebanese sources, all flights from Iraq are being thoroughly screened upon arrival to prevent the transfer of funds or assets to Hezbollah. Iraqi Airways had suspended flights to Lebanon on December 8, 2024, due to security concerns but resumed operations that month.
