The Iraqi Cabinet has approved a major project to rehabilitate, develop, and operate Baghdad International Airport through a partnership with a global private-sector operator.The initiative aims to raise the airport's standards to meet international aviation safety and security requirements, attract international airlines, and restore Iraq's reputation in the global air transport sector.The International Finance Corporation (IFC) was contracted in late 2023 as the government's adviser to ensure the participation of qualified international operators and prepare the airport's investment prospectus. Fourteen global consortia initially expressed interest, with ten passing the prequalification phase. Following further evaluations and withdrawals, three remained eligible to submit final proposals:CAAP Consortium: Corporación América Airports and Amwaj InternationalASYAD Consortium: YDA İnşaat, Lamar Holding, Dublin Airport Authority, and Top Engineering CorporationERG International UK Consortium: Terminal Yapi and ERG İnşaatAfter technical evaluation, the ERG consortium was disqualified for failing to meet required standards. On 19 October 2025, Iraq's Ministry of Transport received and opened financial bids from CAAP and ASYAD. CAAP was selected after offering a higher revenue share for the Iraqi treasury - 43.05% of the airport's total annual revenue throughout the concession period - compared with ASYAD's 38.05% offer.Under the contract, CAAP will invest approximately USD 764 million in the airport without any government expenditure during the concession term. Key commitments include:Construction of a modern passenger terminal with an initial capacity of 9 million passengers per year, expandable to 15 million.Rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas.Installation of 15 passenger boarding bridges.Construction of a new headquarters for the Civil Aviation Authority.Development of a new VIP terminal and modern car park.Rehabilitation of the cargo terminal and firefighting systems to meet ICAO Level 9 standards.Implementation of new potable water and waste management systems.Operation and management of the airport in line with international standards.Payment of staff salaries, along with professional training and capacity building.Creation of around 1,000 direct jobs for each additional one million passengers handled.This public-private partnership is described as one of Iraq's most transparent and financially beneficial airport contracts since 2006, with significant expected contributions to state revenues and employment. Previous airport investments in Najaf, Karbala, and Kirkuk did not yield financial returns for the central treasury, whereas this project is expected to deliver both fiscal and developmental benefits. (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: Stampa Locale