The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has announced plans to inaugurate three major international airports in 2025, marking a significant step in the country’s civil aviation expansion strategy.
Ministry spokesperson Maitham Al-Safi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that several initiatives are underway to support the growth of the civil aviation sector. These include new airport construction projects and broader strategic plans aimed at modernizing Iraq’s aviation infrastructure.
According to Al-Safi, the three airports set to open in 2025 are:
Mosul International Airport
Karbala International Airport
Nasiriyah International Airport
Mosul International Airport, which was destroyed by ISIS and later rebuilt, is now fully operational following a successful trial in June. It is considered Iraq’s third most important airport after Baghdad and Basra International Airports and is currently open to airlines that meet licensing requirements.
Construction progress continues at Karbala International Airport, which had surpassed 75% completion as of May 2024, according to Karbala Governor Nassif Jassem Al-Khattabi. The airport is being built by a British company based on designs by a French firm that reflect the province’s Islamic and cultural heritage. Located about 32 kilometers southeast of Karbala, between Karbala and Najaf, the airport is planned to accommodate:
3 million passengers annually in Phase 1
6 million in Phase 2
18 million in Phase 3
20 million in the final phase
Nasiriyah International Airport, currently under development by the Chinese State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), is also expected to become operational by the end of 2025.
The Transport Ministry stated that these new airports, in conjunction with existing ones, will establish a national network to enhance Iraq’s civil aviation capacity. The project also aligns with Iraq’s broader Development Road initiative, which aims to strengthen both domestic and international mobility.
In support of these efforts, the ministry has signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC)—a member of the World Bank Group—to develop strategic plans for airport construction and renovation across the country.
Source: IraqiNews.com
