Iraq is pushing hard to finish Nasiriyah International Airport, and the message from the top is clear: speed it up and get it done right.
Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Sadaawi has told contractors to accelerate work as the project enters its final stage. He shared these instructions during a meeting at the General Company for Air Navigation Services, where senior Iraqi aviation officials and representatives from China’s CSCEC — the main contractor on the project — were present.
The minister stressed that everything must stay on schedule and meet international airport standards. No shortcuts. No delays.
A big focus of the meeting was air navigation systems and operational infrastructure. Al-Sadaawi called for faster progress in these areas, with close oversight to make sure all safety rules are followed. He made it clear that the airport must fully comply with International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, standards.
Al-Sadaawi described the airport as a strategic project for Dhi Qar province. For the region, this will be the first and only air gateway. He said it will help boost economic activity, attract investment, and support long-term development.
Nasiriyah International Airport is being built to handle both passengers and cargo. In its first phase, it will serve up to 750,000 passengers a year. In later stages, that number is expected to grow to 2.5 million passengers annually.
The airport will include a long 3,400-meter runway, a modern air traffic control tower, a full passenger terminal, cargo-ready facilities, and all the support services needed to operate smoothly.
In short, the project is nearing the finish line — and the government wants it completed quickly, safely, and at a level that meets global standards.
