Iraq reports 650 planes passing through its airspace every day

Increase in Aircraft Traffic Over Iraq Amid Airspace Expansion

BAGHDAD,— The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced on Monday that the number of aircraft crossing, landing, and departing from Iraqi airspace has significantly increased.

This growth is attributed to enhanced stability and improvements in the country’s civil aviation sector. The Ministry’s media office confirmed that the rise in air traffic, now reaching 600 to 650 flights per day, is the result of efforts to expand civil airspace, particularly by reducing military airspace restrictions.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the General Company for Air Navigation has played a key role in this development. The company has worked on enlarging the airspace allocated for civil aviation, which has facilitated the increase in air traffic.

The Ministry also announced plans to further improve air navigation infrastructure, including the acquisition of two new radar systems. These radars, one for the western region and the other for Basra Airport, will improve air traffic management and monitoring. The Ministry revealed that the radars will be provided through a contract with international firms.

Additionally, New Zealand-based Radiola, a company specializing in aviation safety, has confirmed the effectiveness of the existing landing navigation devices. This validation has allowed the Ministry to continue its expansion plans.

As part of ongoing efforts to upgrade air navigation infrastructure, the Ministry is also working on installing a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Baghdad International Airport. The new system will be installed alongside the current one, enhancing the safety and accuracy of landings and takeoffs.

Baghdad International Airport is undergoing extensive rehabilitation and expansion, with improvements to infrastructure and air navigation systems.

These efforts are part of a broader plan that includes the development of Nasiriyah International Airport, which is expected to open later this year.

Work on Mosul International Airport is also advancing, with completion expected by mid-year. The airport will feature modern navigation systems, including radars and ILS, sourced from French and international companies.

The Ministry emphasized that the completion of these projects, along with the construction of Nasiriyah, Mosul, and Karbala International Airports, will position Iraq as a major regional aviation hub.

These developments are expected to strengthen Iraq’s role as an important air corridor for both global markets and regional tourism.