Latest news with #al-Safi
Iraqi News
06-08-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq offers new transit air routes to meet airlines' growing demand
Baghdad ( – Due to increased demand from international airlines looking for routes through the country's airspace, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport started to open new air routes, a step that authorities believe might strengthen Iraq's worldwide aviation status. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport, Maytham al-Safi, told Iraq's official newspaper, al-Sabah, that the ministry has made considerable effort to establish aviation routes and improve the efficiency of operations to guarantee the safety and easy transit of planes across the country's airspace. The step is part of larger ambitions to increase international collaboration and modernize Iraq's aviation infrastructure, according to al-Safi. The Iraqi official explained that Iraq's Transport Ministry has received additional demands from worldwide carriers to access Iraqi airspace, noting that Iraq is a critical aviation connection between the East and West, as well as a crucial transit spot in the air navigation network, both regionally and internationally. Al-Safi stated that the step aims to improve Iraq's globally recognized airspace rating and fulfill the demands of international airlines. Earlier in July, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport revealed that more than 700 aircraft traveled across Iraqi airspace in a single day, marking the greatest level of aviation traffic ever recorded in Iraq. The achievement is an indicator of the government's national plan for rebuilding international trust in Iraqi airspace and improving operational preparedness to meet the highest standards. Director of Iraq's General Company for Air Navigation Services (GCANS), Abbas al-Baydani, explained that the organization has been able to carry out qualitative initiatives in a very brief period of time to build its infrastructure and improve personnel efficiency, reflecting Iraq's critical and essential position as a strategic air corridor connecting East and West. Several regional and international airlines have reverted to using Iraqi airspace as a key route for their flights due to Iraq's operational stability and precise air traffic control services.
Shafaq News
27-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq to launch cross-border rail linking Basra and Iran
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Ministry of Transport announced on Sunday the imminent launch of the Basra–Shalamcheh railway project, a 36-kilometer cross-border line aimed at easing pilgrim traffic and strengthening regional connectivity. Ministry spokesperson Maytham al-Safi told Shafaq News that preliminary work is underway, including demining, land clearance, and final administrative steps. A contract signing with the executing company is expected soon, with construction to follow. 'The railway will enable the movement of over five million Iraqi and Iranian visitors annually, especially during religious seasons,' al-Safi said. Currently, pilgrims arriving by train from Iran must transfer at the border to reach Basra and continue toward Karbala. The new link will close that gap, integrating with Iraq's internal lines, including the active Basra–Karbala and Basra–Baghdad corridors. Construction is expected to take 36 months. Last year, the ministry operated 17 trains during peak pilgrimage periods and is prepared to scale up this year based on demand. Al-Safi said the project is central to Iraq's plans to modernize its transport infrastructure and deepen regional ties. The government has earmarked $150M for the line, which also forms part of a broader initiative to connect major religious sites in Iraq and Iran.
