Protests disrupt Baghdad, Basra airports as workers oppose government plans on airport management

BAGHDAD — Protests continued at Baghdad and Basra international airports for a second day on Thursday, as workers opposed a Cabinet decision to separate airport management from the Civil Aviation Authority and place it under the Ministry of Transport. Demonstrators staged sit-ins inside terminals and, in Basra, occupied the runway to block a departing flight.

At Baghdad International Airport, four protesters were detained by airport security forces at noon but released after an hour. Protesters, rejecting accusations of political affiliation, remained adamant. “We refuse to be labeled as Baathists, and we are here to defend our rights,” one demonstrator told 964 media.

In Basra, protesters escalated their actions by sitting on the runway to prevent a plane from taking off. This prompted the High Security Committee for Airports and Air Navigation to impose strict measures against unauthorized protests.

A statement from the Public Relations and Media Department of Baghdad International Airport emphasized the importance of maintaining operational stability amidst ongoing protests. “In light of recent unauthorized protests by some employees, the High Security Committee convened under the chairmanship of the director general of airports and air navigation to address these developments and issue appropriate decisions,” the statement read.

One of the key decisions was a complete ban on protests or sit-ins within airport premises or their immediate surroundings without official authorization. This measure aims to ensure that demonstrations do not disrupt airport operations or compromise the safety of passengers and staff.

The committee also declared that violators of this directive would face legal accountability under the State and Public Sector Employee Discipline Law.

Additionally, the directives were made binding on all employees of Baghdad and Basra international airports, without exception. The committee stressed that compliance is mandatory to maintain the functionality and integrity of these critical infrastructure facilities.

“These measures are essential to avoid any legal consequences and to ensure the uninterrupted operation of these vital facilities that serve the public interest,” the statement concluded.

The protests have raised concerns about potential disruptions to airport operations. While authorities stressed the importance of maintaining order, workers vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed.