Iraqi Prime Minister Urges Foreign Firms to Invest in Mosul Airport Development

Government Call for Foreign Investment

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi urged foreign firms specializing in airport management and operations to invest in Mosul International Airport and develop its services.

He made the remarks during a visit on Monday to Mosul to launch the Watan Initiative (Homeland Initiative), a nationwide housing and development program aiming to tackle the country’s housing crisis, according to a statement cited by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

Mosul, a major city in northern Iraq, has been a focus of reconstruction efforts following years of conflict.

Al-Zaidi described the airport as more than just a service project, calling it a critical gateway for the province and Iraq as a whole.

He said, “We do not want the participating companies to merely construct a service terminal; rather, we want them to collaborate in turning the airport into an important service landmark,” al-Zaidi added.

Historical Background of Mosul Airport

Mosul International Airport, which was previously destroyed by ISIS terrorists, is the third most important airport in Iraq, following Baghdad International Airport and Basra International Airport.

The airport was first created as a civil airport in 1990 and reopened on December 2, 2007 after substantial runway and facility upgrades.

It became a key military site after being overrun by ISIS in June 2014; the Iraqi army retook it on February 23, 2017.

Following its liberation, the airport underwent renovations. By November 2019, de‑mining activities were finished and plans for a thorough reconstruction were initiated.

Reconstruction Efforts and Partnerships

In December 2020 the Iraqi government signed contracts with SEA Milan Airports and Aeroports de Paris Ingenierie to complete the renovation.

Rehabilitating the northern Iraqi airport is considered critical for improving regional connections and assisting the local economy’s revival after years of conflict.

An aerial view of Mosul International Airport’s design. Photo: 4b architects.