Al -Jazeera Net Correspondents
In the city of Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, which suffered the scourge of war and destruction during the control of the Islamic State, hope is again through the project to rehabilitate Mosul International Airport, whose completion rate exceeded 85%, with the approaching opening date in June 2025, according to the responsible authorities.
The flights had stopped at the airport since 2014, but recent months have witnessed a remarkable acceleration in the business, with the direct payment of the Iraqi government.
On his visit to Mosul on December 28, Prime Minister Mohamed Shi’a Al -Sudani directed the speedy completion of the project, assuring the Minister of Defense Thabet Al -Abbasi to accurately follow up on the work progress, ensuring commitment to the declared schedule.
An advanced achievement and international coordination
Azhar Taha Qassem, the navigation official at Mosul International Airport, confirmed that the project’s completion rate reached 85%, indicating that the current stage focuses on the selection of the operating company for the airport, according to accurate criteria that are in line with international standards.
Qasim said in a statement to Al -Jazeera Net that the process of selecting the operating company is carried out by setting strict technical conditions, and addressing international companies known for its efficiency, explaining that the Civil Aviation Authority participates in the current technical discussions currently, which aims to prepare an integrated file on which companies apply for their offers.
He added: “Despite the challenges on the ground in terms of artistic and civil works and the installation of navigation devices, we are working hard to adhere to the specified opening date, unless fundamental amendments occur.”
Expandable capacity
Qasim pointed out that the company “ADBE”, which is designed for the airport earlier, estimated the airport’s ability to receive 550,000 passengers annually, and ship about 25 thousand tons of goods, but the Celtic Consulting company modified these numbers in its latest (informal) report to 630 thousand passengers annually, with the possibility of expanding later according to the actual movement of the airport.
He explained that additional spaces within the facility allow future expansion if the demand for air transport services increases.
Turkish companies implement the project
Regarding the implementation of the project, Qasim revealed that the contract was referred to two Turkish companies operating jointly, namely: “TAV Inşaat” and “Construction 77”, confirming that their performance was satisfactory and according to the standards followed.
He added that the project has a permanent consultative follow -up to ensure technical endorsements, and that there is a close communication with the central authorities in Baghdad to ensure the airport matching international standards in all aspects.
With regard to the total cost, he explained that the basic contract is 268 billion Iraqi dinars, equivalent to about 203 million US dollars, noting that the additions to the project were limited and necessary and were funded by the dedicated reserve.
Economic and societal benefit
For his part, the head of the Energy Committee in the Nineveh Provincial Council, Ahmed Al -Abd Rabbo, stressed that the restart of Mosul International Airport will constitute a qualitative shift for the governorate, because of its economic and development impact.
Al -Abd Rabbo told Al -Jazeera Net that the airport will contribute to providing job opportunities, facilitate the movement of movement between Nineveh and the rest of the provinces, and openness to the neighboring markets and countries, adding that the people of the province will not have to travel after today to travel via Erbil or Baghdad airports.
He continued: “The opening of the airport will support the tourism and investment sectors, and will facilitate the access of visitors and investors directly to Nineveh, which enhances the city’s economic and cultural status.”
A race against time
In turn, Mohamed Hrais Al -Shammari, a member of the Nineveh Provincial Council, confirmed that the local government is making extensive efforts to ensure the opening of the airport on the tenth of next June, which is the official date specified.
Al -Shammari said that the airport represents a strategic landmark in Nineveh, for its expected role in stimulating the commercial and tourism movement, and facilitating the air linking with the outside world.
He added: “The city of Mosul is full of important archaeological and historical sites, and the operation of the airport will enable this legacy to attract tourism and investment,” noting that the project carries a symbolic dimension in restoring the city after years of destruction.
