Baghdad – Iraq has taken another step toward opening Nasiriyah International Airport after receiving essential ground support equipment needed for airport operations and commercial flight services.
The Nasiriyah International Airport project has entered its final preparation phase as authorities continue efforts to complete technical and operational requirements. As a result, officials expect the facility to move closer to full readiness ahead of its planned inauguration.
The Ministry of Transport confirmed the arrival of the equipment, describing it as a critical milestone for the airport. Moreover, the new systems will support aircraft handling, passenger services, and day-to-day airport operations. Consequently, the delivery strengthens preparations for launching commercial flights.
Officials emphasized that the equipment will help ensure compliance with technical and operational standards. In addition, the airport must meet regulatory requirements before authorities can approve regular flight operations. Therefore, completing this stage remains essential to the opening process.
Last week, Dhi Qar Governor Haitham Al-Hamdani stated that authorities expect to inaugurate the airport within the coming months. According to local officials, the project will support economic development and strengthen tourism activity in southern Iraq.
The Nasiriyah International Airport is expected to improve transportation links across the region. Furthermore, it will reduce travel times for residents and visitors. Officials also believe the facility will play an important role in supporting Iraq’s Development Road project and expanding regional connectivity.
Dhi Qar province contains several historical and tourist sites that attract growing interest from travelers. Consequently, local authorities expect the airport to help increase visitor numbers. Some estimates suggest that tourist destinations in the province could attract more than one million visitors annually.
The airport project forms part of broader efforts to modernize Iraq’s aviation infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport continues working with international partners to improve airport services nationwide. In 2025, the ministry signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation to develop strategic plans for airport expansion and rehabilitation projects.
Construction plans include extensive infrastructure upgrades. For example, crews have renovated a 3,400-meter runway and a 185,000-square-meter airport apron. In addition, the project includes passenger terminals, a VIP facility, a cargo terminal, a four-star hotel, and several administrative and navigation buildings.
The Nasiriyah International Airport will initially accommodate up to 750,000 passengers each year. However, a long-term expansion strategy aims to increase capacity significantly. As a result, the airport could eventually serve as many as 2.5 million passengers annually within the next decade.
Iraq selected the China State Construction Engineering Corporation as the main contractor for the development project. Therefore, officials hope the airport will become a major transportation hub that supports economic growth, tourism, and regional trade in the years ahead.