Puntos Clave
- CAAP y Amwaj firmaron el acuerdo de adjudicación el 5 de noviembre de 2025 para desarrollar el Aeropuerto de Bagdad.
- El consorcio invertirá 764 millones de dólares y entregará 43,05% de los ingresos anuales al tesoro central de Irak.
- Se dispone de 90 días (prorrogables) para negociar el PPP; la terminal inicial tendrá capacidad para 9 millones de pasajeros.
(BAGHDAD, IRAQ) The Government of Iraq sealed a high-stakes agreement to modernize Baghdad International Airport, as Corporación América Airports S.A. (CAAP) and its partner Amwaj International for Real-Estate Investments Co. Ltd. signed an award agreement on November 5, 2025, to operate and develop the airport after a competitive international tender that was overseen by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The move marks a pivotal moment in Iraq’s push to transform its aviation infrastructure into a regional hub and signals a major shift in how the country will balance growth, transparency, and the financing of large-scale public infrastructure projects.
The core of the agreement centers on a substantial investment and a clear revenue-sharing model that funders and the government say will sustain ongoing enhancements while providing tangible returns to the central treasury. The consortium will invest $764 million in the airport’s development, and the winning bid commits to providing 43.05% of the airport’s annual revenue to Iraq’s central treasury, a figure that surpasses the rival ASYAD consortium’s offer of 38.05%. This competitive edge was highlighted as part of the evaluation that brought CAAP and Amwaj International to the forefront of the tender, which attracted fourteen international groups in total and was conducted with the supervision of the IFC and Iraq’s Ministry of Transport. The emphasis on the financial package is paired with a robust plan for world-class infrastructure that aims to align Baghdad International Airport with global safety and service standards.
The scope of work outlined in the award is expansive and designed to modernize every facet of the airport’s operation and physical footprint. The agreement covers the construction of a modern passenger terminal with an initial capacity for 9 million passengers per year, with the potential to expand to 15 million, a feature designed to accommodate growth in traffic over the coming decades. The project also includes upgrades to runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas, a significant enhancement of the airport’s logistical backbone. Fifteen passenger boarding bridges are part of the plan, ensuring faster processing of travelers and smoother transfer connections. The development also contemplates the construction of a new Civil Aviation Authority headquarters and a VIP terminal, signaling a broader modernization of regulatory and ceremonial facilities that would support both domestic and international operations.
Beyond passenger facilities, the plan calls for a multi-storey car park to address parking demand and a revitalized cargo terminal to improve freight handling, a critical component for Iraq’s economic diversification and export strategy. The upgrade will extend to essential airport services, notably the firefighting system, the water supply, and the waste management system, each intended to raise safety and environmental standards to meet international norms. Crucially, the program includes a training and professional development component for airport staff, with salaries covered by the investment, a detail that speaks to the project’s integrated approach to workforce capability rather than a simple physical upgrade.
From a human and employment perspective, the project is framed as a catalyst for job creation and skills development. The Iraqi Prime Minister’s office has indicated that the project is expected to create about 1,000 new direct jobs for every million new passengers that the airport serves, a metric the government uses to underscore the social and economic ripple effects of enhanced aviation capacity. The job creation target is presented as part of a broader calculation that ties passenger growth to employment opportunities, a link that is often emphasized by governments seeking to demonstrate the broader benefits of major infrastructure undertakings.
The tender process and governance structure surrounding the award underscore the transparency and international dimensions of the project. The tender was overseen by the IFC as well as Iraq’s Ministry of Transport, and the competition drew participation from fourteen international consortiums. The CAAP/Amwaj consortium’s selection was driven by the combination of a competitive financial package, strong commercial terms, and technically robust proposals. The government’s commentary on the process framed the deal as a model of investment that would deliver financial returns while boosting Iraq’s global connectivity, a point the Prime Minister’s office highlighted in its briefing on the agreement. In public statements accompanying the signing, officials stressed that the project would modernize Baghdad International Airport, elevate service levels, and align operations with global safety and security standards, a sentiment echoed in remarks from Iraqi leadership and the project’s private-sector partners.
The timing surrounding the signing and the subsequent steps is framed by a defined negotiation window. The award agreement grants the parties a 90 days period—extendable by mutual agreement—to negotiate and finalize the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement that will govern the long-term concession and operational framework. This window is described in official materials as a critical step toward translating the award into a binding and fully detailed contract, with the expectation that all regulatory approvals and technical specifications will be aligned within that timeline. The emphasis on a clearly delineated negotiation period reflects a cautious approach to large-scale PPPs, ensuring that risks are identified and mitigated and that the commercial terms and safeguard mechanisms are robust before the concession is formalized.
In the backdrop of this agreement, the Iraqi leadership has positioned Baghdad International Airport as a strategic gateway for the country’s broader economic ambitions. The government’s framing of the deal as one of the best investment contracts since 2006 in terms of returns to the central treasury and transparency underscores the administration’s intent to project credibility and discipline in public spending. The leadership stresses that the arrangement requires no financial outlay from the Iraqi government during the concession period, a feature that is often cited by ministries and analysts as a sign of prudent fiscal management. The long-term goal, according to officials, is to transform Baghdad International Airport into a regional hub that connects Iraq to global markets, supports domestic growth, and raises safety and service standards to match international expectations.
The executives leading the winning consortium have presented a narrative that ties the project to broader regional and national priorities. Martin Eurnekian, CEO of Corporación América Airports, stated:
“We are honored to have been selected to contribute to Baghdad’s airport modernization efforts. Together with our partner Amwaj International, we are committed to developing world-class airport infrastructure that will enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and create opportunities for local communities. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Iraq and our partners to deliver a world-class airport that supports the country’s long-term growth.”
The sentiment from Eurnekian emphasizes a commitment to not only the physical assets but also to the social and economic ripple effects of a modern, well-managed airport system.
Namir Al-Ekabi, Chairman of Amwaj International, offered a parallel vision, saying:
“This milestone marks a proud moment for Iraq and a testament to the strength of our private sector. Signing this award agreement alongside our partner, Corporación América Airports, demonstrates Iraq’s growing capability and readiness to operate at world-class standards. Amwaj International remains committed to investing in the future of our country by developing infrastructure that reflects the spirit, resilience, and ambition of the Iraqi people. Baghdad International Airport will become a gateway that connects Iraq to the world and stands as a symbol of progress, excellence, and national pride.”
The words from Al-Ekabi place the project within a narrative of national pride and private-sector partnership, framing the investment as a signal of Iraq’s readiness to engage with global standards of efficiency and service.
The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani provided a formal assessment of the deal, stating:
“This project will modernise Baghdad International Airport, elevate service levels and align operations with global safety and security standards.”
The office also highlighted that the deal
“delivers tangible financial returns while boosting Iraq’s global connectivity,”
and called it
“one of the best investment contracts since 2006 in terms of returns to the central treasury and transparency.”
Those remarks serve to position the award as a cornerstone of Iraq’s drive to strengthen governance, transparency, and economic openness in a sector that had previously seen limited private investment.
From a procedural stance, the agreement’s structure and inclusions are designed to manage risk while delivering clear accountability. The consortium’s bid is anchored in a shared development plan that integrates the construction of passenger facilities, regulatory offices, a VIP terminal, and a modern cargo and passenger ecosystem. The project is designed to be financed privately, with no immediate fiscal outlay by the government, a feature that many analysts view as crucial to maintaining sovereign credit stability while pursuing ambitious modernization. The arrangement also includes an explicit emphasis on training, ensuring that the upgrade is accompanied by a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and operating increasingly sophisticated airport systems.
The broader context for the Baghdad award includes Iraq’s ambition to replicate successful PPP models in other airports, with Mosul International Airport and additional facilities identified as potential future opportunities. The procurement process and the high level of international participation reflect a careful strategy to attract diverse expertise and to benchmark Iraqi standards against international best practices. The IFC’s involvement in the tender is presented by government officials as an important signal of due diligence, risk management, and the promotion of transparent, competitive bidding that protects public interests while enabling the country to access modern aviation infrastructure.
For travelers and traders, the impact of this agreement could be felt in several tangible ways. The expanded passenger capacity and upgraded facilities are expected to reduce congestion, shorten check-in and security queues, and improve the overall travel experience at the Aeropuerto Internacional de Bagdad. The plan to develop a new Civil Aviation Authority headquarters and VIP terminal signals a modernization of regulatory oversight and ceremonial accommodations, which could translate into more predictable and standardized procedures for international carriers, freight operators, and tourists alike. The cargo terminal revamp, combined with improved firefighting systems and waste management capabilities, aims to raise safety standards and reduce bottlenecks in freight movement, an important factor for Iraq’s growing trade ambitions.
Public communications related to the signing emphasize the strategic importance of the agreement to broad-based growth, employment, and regional integration. Officials point to the deal as a milestone that aligns with Iraq’s stated goals of increasing private-sector participation in critical infrastructure projects, while ensuring that the central treasury benefits from a transparent and predictable revenue-sharing framework. The combination of a sizable investment, a strong revenue-share commitment, and a structured path toward a final PPP agreement is presented as a model for future projects within the country’s aviation sector and beyond. In practice, the agreement signals a shift toward a more collaborative relationship between the state and private investors, underpinned by clear targets, measurable milestones, and rigorous oversight mechanisms designed to protect public interests while enabling ambitious growth.
As negotiations move forward, observers will be watching how the detailed PPP agreement addresses risk allocation, tariff structures, performance guarantees, local content, training commitments, and the long-term governance of the aeronautical assets. The project’s ultimate success will depend on the timely execution of the upgrade program, the effectiveness of staff training, and the ability of the new operator to deliver world-class service while maintaining high safety standards. In the coming months, the public and private partners will justify the optimism surrounding this landmark deal by demonstrating progress on construction milestones, readiness of staff through the training programs, and the early outcomes of cargo and passenger operations under the new regime.
The presence of the Elevation of Baghdad International Airport into a global gateway is a narrative that resonates with a wide audience—from seasoned professionals in the aviation industry to everyday travelers who anticipate shorter lines, smoother connections, and safer, more reliable services. The implications for Iraq’s economy—trade, tourism, and foreign investment—extend beyond the airport’s runways and terminals. They touch neighborhoods and small businesses that could be drawn into supply chains, tourism circuits, and employment opportunities that stem from a modernized, globally connected air transport hub.
In this light, the project is not only a physical transformation of air travel facilities but a broader statement about Iraq’s willingness to engage with international standards, to leverage private expertise for public benefit, and to pursue a development path that foregrounds institutional efficiency and transparency. The agreement’s explicit numbers and commitments—$764 million investment, 43.05% revenue share to the central treasury, 9 million initial passenger capacity rising to 15 million, and a forecast of about 1,000 direct jobs for every million new passengers—provide concrete milestones that observers can track as Baghdad’s airport moves toward realization. The formal signing, the ongoing negotiation window of 90 days, and the wide international participation in the tender establish a framework that government officials and private partners insist will be resilient and repeatable for future projects.
As the Aeropuerto Internacional de Bagdad prepares for this bold transition, the story will unfold in a sequence of construction milestones, staffing milestones, and service improvements that will be measured against the commitments outlined in the award and expected in the PPP agreement. The collaboration between CAAP and Amwaj International, backed by Iraq’s Ministry of Transport and the IFC, signals a new era for the country’s aviation landscape—one rooted in ambition, disciplined execution, and the belief that Baghdad can become a center of regional connectivity and economic opportunity. The world will watch as the project progresses, with stakeholders hoping that this modernized airport will fulfill its promise of safety, efficiency, and prosperity for Iraq and its people.
For those seeking more information about the administrative framework governing this project, the government maintains a Livelihood-and-Infrastructure portal that outlines the PPP process and related guidelines through official channels, including regulatory updates and procurement criteria. Interested readers can consult the Ministry of Transport of Iraq for further details on the terms of the concession and the ongoing negotiations. Inquiries related to the tender and the selection process can be directed to the official channels managed by the Ministry. The awarding of the contract and the detailed PPP agreement are anticipated to set a precedent for future collaborations in Iraq’s aviation sector and beyond, reinforcing a narrative of renewal that could redefine the country’s engagement with international investors and global aviation standards.
External references and official statements accompany this milestone, including remarks from Martin Eurnekian, Namir Al-Ekabi, and the Prime Minister’s office, all of which lend weight to the interpretation that this is a transformative moment for Iraq’s infrastructure strategy. The path forward will require careful coordination among public authorities, the private sector, and the communities that stand to gain from a modernized, safer, and more efficient Baghdad International Airport. If the project maintains its course, the Aeropuerto Internacional de Bagdad could emerge within the next decade as a pivotal hub that connects Iraq to regional markets, a symbol of renewed public-private partnership, and a benchmark for transparency and performance in large-scale infrastructure development.
For readers and stakeholders who want to explore the official channels and verify the procedural aspects, consult the official pages of the Iraqi government and related international partners and organizations involved in the tender. The collaboration promises to deliver a modernized gateway for Iraq while preserving financial stability and public accountability, transforming a cornerstone asset of the country’s transport system and setting a new standard for how such ventures are conceived, financed, and executed. The journey from tender to tangible improvement will be closely watched by policymakers, investors, and the public alike as Baghdad’s aviation future unfolds.
Aprende Hoy
Acuerdo de adjudicación → Documento que reconoce al consorcio ganador el derecho a negociar la concesión y avanzar hacia el contrato final.
IFC (Corporación Financiera Internacional) → Institución del Grupo Banco Mundial que supervisó la licitación y apoya la participación privada en infraestructuras.
Concesión PPP → Acuerdo a largo plazo entre el sector público y privado para gestionar y financiar infraestructura pública.
Pasarela de embarque → Conector móvil que une la puerta de la terminal con la aeronave para embarque y desembarque.
Este Artículo en Resumen
El 5 de noviembre de 2025, CAAP y Amwaj firmaron un acuerdo para operar y modernizar el Aeropuerto Internacional de Bagdad tras una licitación supervisada por la IFC. El consorcio invertirá 764 millones de dólares y entregará 43,05% de los ingresos anuales al tesoro. El plan contempla una terminal inicial de 9 millones de pasajeros, 15 pasarelas, mejoras en pistas, terminal de carga, servicios esenciales y formación laboral. Se abre un plazo de 90 días para negociar el PPP final.
— Por VisaVerge.com
