Latest news with #MosulInternationalAirport
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Iraq PM reopens airport in Mosul
MOSUL: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is recieved by officials during the reopening of Mosul International Airport on July 16, 2025. - AFP MOSUL: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated Wednesday the city of Mosul's newly restored airport, years after it was destroyed in the battle to dislodge the Islamic State group. Sudani's flight landed at the airport, which is expected to become fully operational for domestic and international flights in two months. 'The airport will serve as an additional link between Mosul and other Iraqi cities and regional destinations,' the media office of the PM said in a statement. In June 2014, the Islamic State group seized Mosul, declaring its 'caliphate' from the city after capturing large swathes of Iraq and neighboring Syria. After years of fierce battles, Iraqi forces backed by a US-led international coalition dislodged the group from the city in July 2017, before declaring its defeat across the country at the end of that year. The airport, which was heavily damaged in the battle, has not been operational since the jihadists seized Mosul. In Aug 2022, then-prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi laid the foundation stone for the airport's reconstruction. Airport director Amar Al-Bayati told AFP that the 'airport is now ready for domestic and international flights,' but no date has been announced for their resumption. He added that the airport previously offered international flights, mostly to Turkey and Jordan. The airport now includes a main terminal, a VIP lounge and an advanced radar surveillance system, Sudani's office said. Its expected to handle 630,000 passengers annually. — AFP
Iraq Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
PM Opens Rebuilt Mosul Int'l Airport
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Mosul International Airport on Wednesday, describing it as a strategic gateway for boosting economic and development opportunities in Nineveh province. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Defence, Transport, and Culture, as well as the Governor of Nineveh, the Chairman of the Provincial Council, and local members of parliament. The Prime Minister toured the airport's facilities, including the passenger terminals, control tower, and operational systems. He praised the efforts of the staff and the company responsible for the project, and commended the local authorities for supporting its completion. Al-Sudani announced that the airport will become fully operational within two months, once a specialised operator has been selected. He stressed the airport's role in enhancing connectivity between Mosul and other Iraqi cities and regional destinations, facilitating trade and travel. The airport, destroyed during ISIS occupation, has been rebuilt to international standards. It features a new terminal, VIP lounge, advanced radar and navigation systems, digital communications, and an extended runway measuring 3,000 metres long and 45 metres wide-suitable for large commercial and cargo aircraft. Its projected annual capacity is 630,000 passengers and 30,000 tonnes of freight. (Source: PMO)
Rudaw Net
7 days ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Iraqi PM inaugurates Mosul airport on anniversary of city's liberation from ISIS
Also in Iraq At least 50 killed, dozens missing in Iraq shopping mall fire Cardinal Sako urges Iraqi PM to halt 'violations' against Christian sites in Najaf Senior KDP, PUK figures to meet Iraqi PM amid financial crisis Iraq's three presidencies condemn 'drone attacks' on Kurdistan oil fields A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani inaugurated Mosul International Airport on Wednesday, on the anniversary of the city's liberation from the Islamic State (ISIS). In a brief statement on X, Sudani's office confirmed the news, sharing pictures of the inauguration ceremony. Mosul, the capital of Iraq's northern Nineveh province, was captured by ISIS in June 2014 during the group's rapid expansion across Iraq and Syria. The airport was heavily damaged during the occupation, and the city was declared the capital of ISIS' so-called caliphate. Reconstruction of the airport began in August 2022 with a budget of around 200 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $142.8 million). The reopening was initially set for June 10 to mark the anniversary of the airport's fall to ISIS - a symbolic gesture meant to 'send a message of defiance against terrorism,' said Mohammed Kakayi, head of Nineveh's provincial council security committee, in an interview with Rudaw in early June. He added that the ceremony was postponed due to the prime minister's crowded schedule. Originally established in 1920, the airport spans roughly 1,600 dunams. It marked a key milestone in early June when a plane completed the first test landing in over a decade. Nineveh Governor Abdulqadir al-Dakhil, who was aboard the test flight, called it 'historic' and 'long awaited.' Speaking to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), he confirmed that 'preparations for the inauguration of Mosul International Airport have been completed. 'The airport will officially open soon,' Dakhil then said. During its occupation of Mosul, ISIS imposed a harsh interpretation of Sharia law, carried out widespread human rights violations, and destroyed numerous religious and cultural sites. A major operation to retake the city began in October 2016, led by Iraqi forces with critical support from the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Kurdish Peshmerga forces also played a vital role in the offensive, particularly in securing the eastern and northern flanks, clearing surrounding areas, and cutting off ISIS supply lines. Mosul International Airport was recaptured in February 2017, and the city was officially declared liberated on July 10 of the same year.
Iraqi News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
PM Al Sudani opens Mosul Airport, launches major refinery and power projects in Nineveh
Nineveh ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani launched a trio of strategic projects in Nineveh governorate on Wednesday (July 16, 2025), including the official inauguration of Mosul International Airport and the commencement of construction on a major new oil refinery and a significant power plant expansion. The visit underscores the government's focus on developing vital infrastructure and boosting the industrial capacity of a region heavily impacted by past conflicts. During his visit, the Prime Minister launched the executive works for the new Nineveh Refinery in the Hammam Al-Alil sub-district. The facility, to be built on an 800-dunam site, will have a refining capacity of 70,000 barrels per day (bpd). It is designed to produce key products like fuel oil (32,000 bpd), naphtha (15,000 bpd), and diesel (12,600 bpd), aiming to cover the needs of Iraq's northern governorates and create approximately 1,000 direct jobs. Al-Sudani also kicked off the expansion of the Qayyarah Combined-Cycle Power Plant. This project will add 375 megawatts (MW) of new capacity by utilizing exhaust gases from the existing simple-cycle units, bringing the station's total output to 1,125 MW. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of combined-cycle technology for its dual benefits of boosting power generation efficiently while adhering to environmental standards. These projects are a cornerstone of the government's strategy to increase domestic industrial output and achieve self-sufficiency. PM Al-Sudani stated that his government has successfully managed to divert nearly 40% of Iraq's crude oil production into downstream refining and manufacturing industries—a target originally planned for the next decade that has been surpassed in just two and a half years. He noted that when his government took office, Iraq was spending 6 trillion IQD annually on importing refined fuel products despite being a major oil producer. In a highly anticipated moment for the region, the Prime Minister also officially inaugurated Mosul International Airport, marking its return to service. The reopening of the airport is a critical step in reconnecting Nineveh with the rest of Iraq and the world, expected to be a major catalyst for economic growth, investment, and tourism in the province. The combination of these three strategic projects signals a new chapter of reconstruction and development for Nineveh.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mosul airport reopens after IS devastation, boosting Iraq connectivity
MOSUL: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani officially reopened Mosul International Airport on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the city's recovery from the devastation caused by the Islamic State group. The airport, heavily damaged during the 2017 battle to retake Mosul, is set to resume full operations within two months, reconnecting the city with regional and domestic destinations. Sudani's flight was the first to land at the restored facility, symbolising progress in Iraq's post-conflict reconstruction efforts. His media office stated, 'The airport will serve as an additional link between Mosul and other Iraqi cities and regional destinations.' Originally seized by IS in 2014, Mosul endured years of brutal occupation before Iraqi forces, supported by a US-led coalition, liberated the city in 2017. The airport remained inoperable until reconstruction began under former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in 2022. Airport director Amar al-Bayati confirmed the facility is now equipped for both domestic and international travel, though no official restart date has been announced. Before its destruction, the airport primarily served routes to Turkey and Jordan. The upgraded infrastructure includes a modern terminal, VIP lounge, and advanced radar system, with an annual capacity of 630,000 passengers. The reopening is expected to stimulate economic recovery and improve transportation links for northern Iraq. – AFP
