Local
The Ministry of Transport is making diligent efforts to develop Iraq's aviation sector, having announced this Saturday a notable increase in air traffic crossing Iraqi airspace. This comes as the Ministry endeavors to open additional corridors to accommodate this growth and provide safe, efficient routes for overflying aircraft. In this regard, Hussein Ahmed Al-Karbalai, Director of Media at the Ministry of Transport, stated that the General Company for Airport Management and Air Navigation has taken significant organizational steps. Following Cabinet approval, the former Airport Management Department was re-linked with the General Company for Air Navigation Services, aiming to enhance coordination and effectiveness in air traffic management. Al-Karbalai clarified that the company's broad responsibilities include organizing airline flights, providing a comprehensive environment for receiving and departing flights, and ensuring safe passage through Iraqi airspace. This encompasses receiving aircraft from adjacent airspaces, guiding them securely through national airspace, and organizing landing and takeoff operations at Iraqi airports. The company also provides all necessary airport services, from arrival and departure procedures and operational organization to flight schedule determination and close coordination with supporting entities like passports and customs. The Ministry of Transport collects revenues of 450 US dollars for each aircraft transiting Iraqi airspace. These revenues, a vital part of the company's self-funding as per law, are distributed: a portion to the state treasury, another for employee salaries and incentives, and a third invested in development projects for the aviation sector. Al-Karbalai added that the Ministry is actively working to open new air corridors or reactivate previous ones, in parallel with regional stabilization. He emphasized the high readiness of the company's technical staff—both specialized human resources and advanced equipment—ensuring capacity to accommodate future flight increases and secure safe passage. He highlighted the outstanding achievement of Iraqi staff, noting no incidents despite challenging days or times of heightened security, such as during reverse Hajj operations. He praised the national cadres' doubled efforts in completing Hajj pilgrim transport ahead of schedule, reflecting a steadfast commitment to aviation safety. He concluded by affirming that Iraqi flights have seen no delays, and the rate of overflights has shown steady, promising growth since July until now.
