Capacity boost planned
Baghdad airport eyed for expansion to handle 9 million passengers annually
BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani discussed the project to rehabilitate and expand Baghdad International Airport in a meeting on Wednesday, attended by representatives from the International Finance Corporation.
The meeting focused on the technical and economic feasibility study to enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate between 8.5 to nine million passengers annually, with provisions for future expansions as needed.
During the meeting, Al-Sudani reviewed a presentation of the work results and studies prepared by the project’s consultant, the IFC, a member of the World Bank.
The presentation included the technical and economic feasibility study for the airport’s rehabilitation and expansion through investment and partnership with the private sector specializing in airport management and operations.
“The study indicated that Baghdad International Airport has experienced a compound annual growth rate of 15.7% in air traffic over the past years, with passenger numbers reaching over 3.4 million in 2023,” a statement from Al-Sudani’s office revealed.
The consultant also reviewed possible options for the rehabilitation and expansion of the airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal to accommodate the projected growth in air traffic through 2036.
During the meeting, Al-Sudani emphasized that “the rehabilitation and development operations should adhere to the latest specifications and standards set by international airport organizations.”