BaghdadThe transportation sector in Iraq is witnessing radical transformations thanks to the giant projects that are being implemented, such as the development road, the large port of Al-Faw, and Mosul International Airport. These projects faced many challenges, including the air embargo imposed on Iraqi airspace, the complexities of the regional situation, and how to finance these huge projects.
To shed light on all these projects and their challenges, Al Jazeera Net met with the Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, to talk about the latest developments in these projects, the challenges, and the future vision of the transportation sector.
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How did the current events in Syria affect Iraqi civil aviation traffic? When is it expected to resume normally between the two countries?
The current events in Syria have greatly affected Iraqi civil aviation traffic, as is the case with all countries in the region, as security tensions and ongoing unrest in the region have led to taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. This has caused Iraqi air traffic to reduce or stop its flights until notice. Certain aircraft, especially those heading to destinations close to conflict areas.
However, hopes are revived, as Iraqi air navigation resumes its usual activities and routes every time, hours after any closure of the airspace.
As for the return of flights to Syria, there is communication with the relevant authorities, most notably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Company for Airport and Air Navigation Management, as well as the relevant insurance companies. The issue is not limited to the Ministry of Transport only, but rather requires multiple procedures for different sectoral institutions.
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What are the final estimates of the development road project costs and what is its current completion rate? How will it affect the Iraqi and regional economy, especially the field of trade with Europe?
The cost of the development road project is estimated at 17 billion dollars, divided into 10.5 billion for the railway line, and 6.5 billion for the land highway, with the possibility of opening the way for international companies to invest along the route. The completion rates in the detailed design phase of the railway line have reached 64%, and the land road. 60%, while the cumulative completion rates for the detailed designs of the project reached 63%. This stage differs from the previous stage of preliminary designs in terms of specifications, meaning that it targets the existing structures as well as some points. Project-related, such as bridges, buildings, stations, etc.
The year 2025 will witness the completion of the detailed designs phase and then the transition to presenting the project to major international companies to compete for the promising investment opportunities in this project, in a way that serves the interest of Iraq and is consistent with the government’s vision.
The development road includes new paths outside the current cities along 11 Iraqi governorates from Basra in the south to the Turkish border in the north, which will enhance the trade and economic movement of these governorates, and will also create very large job opportunities and investments that will remove Iraq from the rentier economy and dependence on oil revenues.
This project is one of the major projects that will be implemented in Iraq, and with the completion of the components of this project, the Iraqi economy will be strengthened through the large movement of Iraqi ports and land transportation routes, in addition to the fact that Iraq will become one of the global trade corridors all the way to Europe, and will also create opportunities for large industrial, agricultural, and commercial investments.
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What are the latest developments in the Al-Faw Grand Port project? What is the expected total cost? How is the government working to resolve differences with Kuwait regarding it? What are the strategic goals that Iraq seeks to achieve?
The Grand Faw Port project has witnessed major developments during the recent period, as the completion rate in many of its components has reached advanced levels. The dock structures for the container terminal have been completed by 100%, and the completion rate of the road linking the ports of Al-Faw and Umm Qasr has reached 92.43%.
The submerged tunnel witnessed remarkable progress, as the ten pieces were immersed in water in preparation for their transportation in the Khor Al-Zubair Canal. Also, the completion rate in the first phase of offshore drilling and backfilling work reached 79.33%, and work on the navigation channel advanced by 77.41%. As for the five berths and the container yard, the completion rate reached 100% and 88%, respectively. Overall, the completion rate of the port components reached 81%.
In an important step, the government agreed to sign a contract with the South Korean company Daewoo to implement the first phase of the project, which will accommodate 3 million containers. The company carried out construction work that included constructing 5 berths, unloading ship cargo, and a container yard, in addition to dredging and excavation work to create a navigation channel. The five berths were handed over to the Ministry of Transport last November.
As for the total cost of the project, it has not been officially announced yet. However, the huge amount of investments being pumped into the project indicates a high total cost.
Regarding border disputes with Kuwait, the government affirmed its commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for international agreements and United Nations resolutions, especially Security Council Resolution No. 833 regarding demarcation of the border between the two countries. She pointed out that the negotiations and solutions proceed in accordance with the parties’ commitment to international laws.
As for the strategic goals that Iraq seeks to achieve through this project, first and foremost is transforming Al-Faw Port into a major commercial and logistical center in the region, and strengthening Iraq’s position as a country for the transit of goods between East and West. The project also seeks to diversify sources of income, reduce dependence on oil, create new job opportunities, and develop the areas surrounding the port.
Since the Al-Faw Grand Port project is the backbone of the Development Road Project, the strategic objectives of both projects complement and support each other, as the Development Road seeks to connect the port to the rest of Iraq and to the international road network, which enhances the importance of the port and increases its ability to attract investments.
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What measures is the government taking to lift the air ban imposed on European airspace? What are the economic costs borne by Iraq?
The Iraqi government is striving to lift the air ban imposed on its airspace by European countries. A specialized committee has been formed to closely follow up on this file, and a contract has been signed with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to provide the necessary support and obtain the required international certificates, such as the IOSA certificate and the Third Country Operator (TCO) certificate.
The process of lifting the ban depends on two main steps: The first is addressing all the observations raised by European authorities, which represents an advanced stage in the process of lifting the ban. The second is to obtain “TCO”, which is an international certificate that confirms the air carrier’s commitment to international air safety and security standards.
Iraqi Airways has made remarkable progress in addressing these observations. It has diagnosed and corrected many errors, and implemented many technical and administrative requirements requested by the European Union, including developing an integrated safety management system, an aircraft performance monitoring system, improving the quality assurance system, updating the company’s work manuals, implementing the electronic bag system, and making optimal use of global systems. In the field of aircraft maintenance, contracting with specialized foreign companies to provide ground and cargo services, and recruiting qualified cadres of pilots and technicians.
Despite the challenges facing the Iraqi aviation sector as a result of the air embargo, Iraqi Airlines has achieved significant profits in recent years, with profits reaching 74 billion and 642 million and 893 thousand and 964 Iraqi dinars (about 56 million and 547 thousand and 727 dollars) in 2022, and 104 billion and 716 million. And 812 thousand and 186 dinars (about 79 million dollars) a year 2023, and 141 billion, 755 million, 139,446 dinars (about 107 million and 352 thousand dollars) in 2024. However, these profits were less than what could have been achieved if there had been no air embargo, as lifting the embargo would allow the company to significantly increase its revenues due to Due to the increasing demand for flights towards Europe.
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What are the latest developments in modernizing the Iraqi civil aircraft fleet? How many aircraft have been purchased so far? What are the future plans for developing the aviation sector?
Iraqi Airways has witnessed remarkable developments in its fleet modernization and development project. The company has succeeded in returning 13 out of 24 idle aircraft to service, with plans to restore 7 more aircraft during 2025.
Boeing and Airbus were also contracted to supply the fleet with 31 modern aircraft, with 13 of these aircraft having already been received, including two Dreamliners and 6 MAX aircraft from Boeing, and 5 aircraft from Airbus. The remaining aircraft are expected to be received by 2027.
In addition to modernizing the fleet, the Ministry of Transport is working to expand the network of destinations served by Iraqi Airlines, as many new destinations have been opened, and work is being done to increase the number of European destinations through joint operation with other airlines. The Ministry is also working to improve the quality of services provided to travelers by developing meals, simplifying reservation procedures, and providing electronic services.
The Ministry of Transport seeks to achieve digital transformation in the civil aviation sector by introducing fully automated reservation systems and simplifying procedures at airports, which contributes to reducing pressure on human resources and increasing the efficiency of operations.
This comprehensive development aims to improve the travel experience for passengers, increase Iraqi Airlines’ revenues, and enhance Iraq’s position in the regional and international air transport sector. However, achieving these goals requires careful planning, developing human resources, and implementing effective marketing strategies.
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What is the importance of the opening of the new Nineveh Airport, what services will it provide to passengers and air cargo, and how will it contribute to the development of the aviation sector?
Mosul Airport is a major strategic project that will change the face of the northern region. This airport will be the province’s window to the world and will reflect positively on the country’s economy. The completion rate of the project has reached advanced stages and includes a 3,000-meter runway, an aircraft parking area with an area of 60,000 square meters, and another area for air cargo with an area of 35,000 square meters.
It also includes buildings for passengers and VIPs, an air cargo station, a 33-meter-high control tower, fuel, electricity and water stations, a civil defense building, a health center, vehicle maintenance and customs. All of this is in accordance with international specifications and International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
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How will the airport contribute to the development of the civil aviation sector?
Establishing new airports or rehabilitating existing ones contributes significantly to the development of the economic, social, cultural and tourism sector. The airport connects the country to other countries and serves people in all economic sectors.
The opening of Mosul International Airport is consistent with these goals, as it is distinguished by its strategic location and high-quality services for travelers, investors and airlines. This airport will develop infrastructure and achieve development, social and cultural goals, and is the result of the efforts of the Iraqi government.
This airport is distinguished by its high capabilities, modern systems and equipment, and its ability to accommodate large numbers of passengers. This makes it an economic, tourism and investment edifice for Iraq. Its establishment confirms the continuation of comprehensive development projects, attention to all sectors, and the modernization of government facilities and public services.
