Mosul International Airport reopening has become a symbol of Iraq’s determination to rebuild and reconnect after years of conflict. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport confirmed the airport is now fully operational and ready for licensed airlines.
A successful test flight by Iraqi Airways marked this key milestone. A Boeing 737 landed on the freshly reconstructed runway without issue. This event took place just days before the official opening.
Ministry spokesperson Maitham Al-Safi emphasized the national importance of this project. He described the effort as a fully Iraqi achievement under direct ministry supervision.
Iraqi Airways will operate the first commercial flights from the airport. However, the ministry welcomes other international airlines as long as they follow national and ICAO rules.
Al-Safi noted the Mosul International Airport reopening boosts connectivity for Nineveh, Iraq’s second-most populated province. The facility will link Mosul with major Iraqi cities and global destinations.
This airport had previously suffered massive destruction at the hands of ISIS terrorists. Its reconstruction represents a major milestone in Iraq’s recovery.
Moreover, the opening date carries strong symbolism. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani selected it to counter the memory of ISIS’s occupation of Mosul.
During a past visit to Mosul, Al-Sudani ordered local authorities to complete the airport by this date. He called the effort a clear sign of national resilience and progress.
He is expected to personally fly from Baghdad to Mosul for the official ceremony. This act underscores the significance of the Mosul International Airport reopening for both government and public.
The airport now ranks as Iraq’s third most important, after Baghdad and Basra International Airports. Its return to service improves regional mobility, economic opportunity, and international access.
In addition, the airport provides a strategic base for future humanitarian, commercial, and development efforts in northern Iraq. It is also expected to boost tourism and trade in the Nineveh region.
The Ministry of Transport believes this development marks a turning point for Mosul. Continued investment in infrastructure remains vital for long-term national growth.