Iraq partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to rehabilitate the deteriorating infrastructure of Baghdad International Airport.
Endorsed under the auspices of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, the agreement involves the IFC offering an integrated investment portfolio.
This portfolio encompasses the expansion, financing, operation, and maintenance of the international airport.
The partnership aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and services of the airport to align with global airport standards. This transformation will be carried out by a specialized global company, as per the statement.
Despite being the country’s largest receiving terminal, Baghdad Airport has not witnessed any significant rehabilitation projects for its facilities, which were constructed over four decades ago.
The airport ceased operations in the 1990s due to the blockade imposed on Iraq following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait.
Iraqis relied on overland travel to Jordan, which served as the main gateway for air travel to the rest of the world.
Comprising three terminals, the airport experiences rapid congestion during Shiite religious ceremonies, requiring immediate improvements in its infrastructure.
Notably, some facilities at the airport are still under the presence of international coalition forces, occasionally becoming targets for attacks.
In January 2022, two civilian planes were damaged in a parking area at the airport, resulting in material losses.
Towards the end of 2022, two limited fires prompted the authorities to dismiss three senior airport officials.
Last April, the Iraqi government allocated $500,000 to the Civil Aviation Authority for a contract with the IFC.
Under the agreement, the IFC will also provide consultancy for the private sector’s role in public services.
Earlier, the Iraqi government announced the foundation stone for the Basra-Shalamjah railway link project.
The project aimed at transporting travelers and visitors between Iraq and Iran, among the important transportation projects in the region.”
