Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed the government’s interest in raising the efficiency of Baghdad International Airport and improving its services.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement by the Prime Minister’s media office revealed that he chaired a meeting dedicated to discussing tenders for a public-private partnership project aimed at developing Baghdad International Airport. This meeting included representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), along with advisors and the head of the Civil Aviation Authority.
During the meeting, tender documents were prepared, and a request for proposals was announced for qualified bidders to engage in the airport’s development projects. Al-Sudani stressed the importance of enhancing the airport in line with the capital’s stature, focusing on meeting travelers’ needs and improving service efficiency to align with international standards. He highlighted the significance of the project in safeguarding current airport employees’ positions while offering more opportunities for development and capacity building, as well as efficiently managing commercial activities to boost treasury revenues.
The development consultant presented a comprehensive project plan to the Prime Minister, which includes constructing a new, modern passenger terminal with a capacity to handle 8.5 million passengers annually. The plan anticipates increasing passenger flow, with projections of reaching 15 million passengers annually by 2040. Other project elements include modernizing the airport’s airside and runway, unifying VIP lounges, ensuring effective monitoring of the airport operator’s performance, and developing an investment plan for the airport area and its services.
It is noteworthy that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) serves as the project advisor, with experience in developing airports across nine countries. The IFC is tasked with preparing the economic feasibility study and developing technical options, while the government retains responsibility for airport security, customs, aircraft traffic control, and airspace management. The investor will handle passenger procedures, air handling, and air cargo within the terminals.