Mosul Airport Reopens, Commercial Flights Expected by Mid-September

Key Takeaways

• Mosul International Airport officially reopened on July 16, 2025, after over a decade of closure.
• Commercial flights, starting mid-September 2025, will resume with Iraqi Airways as the first carrier.
• Reconstruction cost exceeded $140 million, expanding capacity to 630,000 passengers and 30,000 tons cargo annually.

Mosul International Airport is set to welcome commercial flights for the first time in over a decade, marking a major turning point for the city of Mosul and the wider Nineveh province. On July 16, 2025, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani officially reopened The airport, signaling a new era of recovery and regional connection for Iraq 🇮🇶. The first regular commercial flights are expected to begin by mid-September 2025, restoring Mosul’s link to the world after years of conflict and isolation.

A Decade of Silence Ends: Mosul’s Airport Reopens

After being closed since 2014 due to the ISIS occupation and the heavy fighting that followed, Mosul International Airport has undergone a complete transformation. The reopening ceremony, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, was more than just a ribbon-cutting event. It was a symbol of hope and progress for a city that has faced immense hardship. The Prime Minister called the airport a “vital gateway” for Nineveh and all of Iraq 🇮🇶, stressing its importance for economic recovery and regional integration.

The airport’s return to service is not just about planes and runways. It represents a chance for families to reunite, for businesses to grow, and for Mosul to reclaim its place as a major urban center in Iraq 🇮🇶. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the reopening is expected to bring significant benefits to the local population, including new jobs, increased trade, and a boost in tourism.

Key Milestones and Current Status

• Official Reopening: July 16, 2025, by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
• Trial Operations: Iraqi Airways completed a successful test landing with a Boeing 737 on June 5, 2025, confirming the airport’s readiness.
• Commercial Flights: Scheduled to start by mid-September 2025, with Iraqi Airways as the first carrier. Other international airlines are expected to follow once they receive the necessary approvals.

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has confirmed that Mosul International Airport is now fully operational and open to all airlines that meet the required standards. However, commercial flights will only begin once agreements with a specialized operating company are finalized and all aviation authority clearances are in place.

Modern Infrastructure and Capacity

The airport’s reconstruction has turned it into a state-of-the-art facility, ready to handle both domestic and international flights. Key features include:

• Annual Passenger Capacity: 630,000 people
• Annual Cargo Capacity: 30,000 tons
• Runway: Extended to 3,000 meters (about 9,840 feet) and widened to 45 meters, allowing large passenger and cargo planes to land and take off safely
• Terminal Facilities: Modern arrival and departure halls, efficient baggage handling systems, VIP lounges, and advanced runway lighting
• Control Tower: Equipped with the latest radar and digital communication systems for safe and efficient air traffic management

The reconstruction project began in August 2022, with a budget of over $140 million. This investment overcame years of delays caused by conflict and frozen funds, showing the government’s commitment to rebuilding vital infrastructure.

Historical Context: From Destruction to Renewal

Mosul International Airport’s story is closely tied to the city’s recent history. In June 2014, ISIS forces took control of Mosul, leading to the airport’s closure. The facility suffered severe damage during the occupation and the military campaign to liberate the city, which lasted until 2017. After Mosul was recaptured in February 2017, it took several years to secure funding and begin the rebuilding process. The foundation stone for reconstruction was finally laid in August 2022 by then-Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

The airport’s reopening is seen as a crucial step in Mosul’s post-war recovery. It not only restores a key transportation link but also serves as a symbol of resilience and hope for the people of Mosul and Iraq 🇮🇶 as a whole.

Voices from the Ground: What Stakeholders Are Saying

The reopening of Mosul International Airport has drawn praise from government officials, local leaders, and international observers.

• Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani: “This airport is a vital gateway for Nineveh and Iraq 🇮🇶, playing a key role in our economic recovery and regional integration.”
• Nineveh Governor Abdul Qadir al-Dakhil: “Reconnecting Mosul to the world is essential for local development and restoring our city’s status.”
• Ministry of Transport Spokesperson Maitham Al-Safi: “The reopening is a purely Iraqi achievement, showing our commitment to vital infrastructure projects.”
• Airport Director Amar Al-Bayati: “We are ready for both domestic and international flights. The airport is now equipped to serve as a regional hub.”

These statements reflect a shared sense of pride and optimism about the airport’s future and its impact on the community.

Economic and Social Impact: What the Reopening Means for Mosul

The return of commercial flights to Mosul International Airport is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits:

• Job Creation: The airport will create new jobs for local residents, from airline staff and security personnel to maintenance workers and retail employees.
• Boost to Tourism: Easier access will encourage visitors to explore Mosul’s rich history and culture, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
• Trade and Cargo: The airport’s cargo facilities will help local producers reach new markets, supporting economic growth in Nineveh province.
• Revenue Generation: Increased passenger and cargo traffic will provide new sources of income for both the national and local governments.

For many families, the airport’s reopening means the chance to reconnect with loved ones who live or work abroad. For students and professionals, it opens up new opportunities for education and business travel.

Regional and International Connectivity

Before its closure, Mosul International Airport offered flights to countries like Turkey 🇹🇷 and Jordan 🇯🇴. These routes are expected to be among the first to return, with additional regional and international connections under consideration. The airport’s modern facilities and strategic location make it an attractive option for airlines looking to expand their networks in the Middle East and beyond.

The Iraqi government sees the airport as a key part of its plan to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. By improving air transport links, Iraq 🇮🇶 hopes to attract more investment and strengthen ties with neighboring countries.

How Airlines and Passengers Can Prepare

Airlines interested in operating at Mosul International Airport must obtain approvals from the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority and meet international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This ensures that all flights operate safely and efficiently.

For passengers, the process will be familiar:

• Domestic Flights: Arrive at least two hours before departure
• International Flights: Arrive at least three hours before departure
• Check with Your Airline: Each airline may have its own rules for check-in, baggage, and travel documents

Once commercial flights begin, travelers will be able to check live arrivals and departures through platforms like Skyscanner and Trip.com. For official information on travel requirements and airport services, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport provides up-to-date resources.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Expansion

The reopening of Mosul International Airport is just the beginning. The government has announced plans to further develop the airport’s facilities and expand its route network. This includes:

• Restoring Old Routes: Bringing back flights to Turkey 🇹🇷, Jordan 🇯🇴, and other popular destinations
• Adding New Connections: Exploring new routes to Europe, the Gulf, and other regions
• Upgrading Facilities: Continuing to invest in technology, security, and passenger comfort

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Iraq 🇮🇶 a regional hub for air travel and to support the country’s long-term economic growth.

Challenges and Solutions: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

While the reopening is a positive step, there are challenges to address:

• Security: Ensuring the safety of passengers and staff remains a top priority. The airport’s new control tower and advanced surveillance systems are designed to meet international standards.
• Regulatory Approvals: Finalizing agreements with operating companies and securing all necessary clearances is essential for a smooth start to commercial flights.
• Community Engagement: Local leaders are working to ensure that the benefits of the airport’s reopening reach all parts of Mosul and Nineveh province.

By focusing on these areas, the government and airport authorities aim to build trust and confidence among travelers, airlines, and the local community.

Multiple Perspectives: What This Means for Iraq and Beyond

• Government: Sees the airport as a symbol of national recovery and a driver of economic growth.
• Local Officials: Focus on job creation, regional integration, and restoring Mosul’s status as a major city.
• International Observers: View the project as a key milestone in Iraq’s post-conflict reconstruction and a model for similar efforts in other liberated areas.

The reopening of Mosul International Airport is being closely watched by other cities in Iraq 🇮🇶 and the wider region. Success here could inspire similar projects, helping more communities recover from conflict and reconnect with the world.

Practical Guidance for Travelers and Businesses

If you plan to travel to or from Mosul International Airport once commercial flights begin, here are some practical steps:

• Check Flight Schedules: Monitor the airport’s official website and your airline for the latest updates
• Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure your passport, visa, and any required permits are up to date
• Arrive Early: Follow recommended arrival times to avoid delays
• Stay Informed: Follow official government channels for news on new routes, security updates, and travel advisories

For businesses, the airport’s reopening offers new opportunities to expand operations, reach new customers, and build partnerships across the region.

Summary Table: Mosul International Airport (OSM) – Key Facts (July 2025)

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Mosul

The reopening of Mosul International Airport is more than just a return to normalcy. It is a powerful sign of resilience, determination, and hope for a city and a country that have endured great challenges. With commercial flights set to begin soon, Mosul is poised to reconnect with the world, drive economic growth, and offer new opportunities for its people.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the airport’s revival is expected to have a lasting impact on the region, supporting recovery, development, and a brighter future for all. For the latest updates and official information, travelers and businesses should consult the Iraqi Ministry of Transport and Mosul International Airport’s official channels.

By working together, government officials, local leaders, and the community can ensure that Mosul International Airport becomes a true gateway to progress and prosperity for Iraq 🇮🇶 and beyond.

Learn Today

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani → Current Iraqi leader who officially reopened Mosul International Airport in July 2025.
Commercial Flights → Scheduled passenger and cargo airlines operating under standard safety and regulatory approvals.
Runway Extension → Increasing the length and width of airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft safely.
Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority → Government body regulating aviation safety and compliance in Iraq.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) → United Nations agency that sets international standards for aviation safety and operations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Mosul International Airport reopens, ending over a decade of inactivity. With modern facilities and expanded capacity, commercial flights resume by September 2025, reconnecting Mosul regionally and globally, promising economic recovery and new opportunities for Iraq’s Nineveh province and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com