Iraq’s Ministry of Transport says construction of Nasiriyah International Airport has reached 85% and is on schedule to open by the end of 2025, marking one of the country’s most advanced aviation projects in years. Minister Razzaq Al-Saadawi confirmed the status and timeline, noting that the exterior buildings are 95% complete, the runway and taxiway are fully finished, and the main passenger terminal has reached 82% completion.
The airport spans 16 million square meters and is designed for more than 750,000 passengers per year, with facilities for both domestic and international flights.
Construction status and immediate next steps
- Core airside infrastructure — the runway and taxiway — are fully finished.
- Exterior buildings: 95% complete.
- Main passenger terminal: 82% complete.
- Overall project completion: 85%.
The project’s next phases focus on:
- Installing modern operational equipment required for international flights.
- Completing interior systems, passenger handling areas (check-in, security), and the baggage system.
- Finishing final fit-outs and conducting safety and operational testing.
- Completing four main access roads to connect the airport with surrounding areas.
- Preparing and training staff for passenger operations.
The Ministry expects the airport to be operational by the end of 2025, aligning with previously stated goals.
Facilities, capacity, and design features
- Footprint: 16 million square meters, allowing room for future growth.
- Runway length: 3,400 meters, suitable for a range of aircraft types.
- Planned annual capacity: 750,000+ passengers, supporting both domestic and international services.
- Included facilities: terminal, control tower, hotel, and parking areas.
These elements are designed to reduce travel time for residents of Dhi Qar Governorate, alleviate pressure on existing airports, and support both passenger and air cargo needs.
Regional and economic context
Officials present the airport as a key component of Iraq’s Development Road Initiative, aimed at improving transport links and accelerating trade and travel in southern Iraq. The Ministry positions this project alongside upgrades at Baghdad and Mosul International Airports as part of a nationwide civil aviation modernization effort.
- Expected benefits:
- Improved access to domestic routes and international gateways.
- Economic stimulus through jobs, services, and better cargo logistics.
- Reduced travel time and cost for families, students, and workers who currently travel to other airports.
The airport’s placement in Nasiriyah also carries symbolic and political weight: the city was central in the 2019 Tishreen protest movement, and local leaders have sought visible progress in public works and employment.
Phased operational ramp-up and outlook
Planners expect a gradual ramp-up once construction and systems installation are complete. Key points:
- The capacity target suggests a steady flow of passengers rather than an immediate surge, allowing operations to stabilize as airlines schedule routes.
- With the runway and taxiway complete and exterior works near completion, remaining tasks are largely technical: systems installation, testing, and staff preparation.
- The project’s large site and inclusion of a hotel and parking indicate planning for passenger comfort and potential future expansion.
While aviation projects sometimes face delays, the Ministry’s repeated emphasis on 85% completion and the specific component percentages provides a clear public benchmark and sets expectations for the end of 2025 opening.
How this fits into wider transport plans
- Four main access roads are being completed to integrate the airport into regional transport networks.
- Road and equipment installation work are being coordinated to keep the opening timeline on track.
- The airport is intended to contribute to broader goals of raising safety, service quality, and capacity across Iraq’s civil aviation system.
For official notices and updates, monitor the Iraq Ministry of Transport.
Key takeaways
- Nasiriyah International Airport is 85% complete and targeted to open by the end of 2025.
- Exterior works are 95% done; the terminal is 82% complete; runway and taxiway are finished.
- The facility covers 16 million sq. m., has a 3,400 m runway, and is designed for 750,000+ passengers annually.
- Remaining work centers on equipment installation, access roads, testing, and staff readiness.
These milestones suggest steady momentum toward opening and potential economic and travel benefits for Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, and southern Iraq once the airport becomes operational.
This Article in a Nutshell
Nasiriyah International Airport in southern Iraq has reached 85% completion and aims to open by the end of 2025, Transport Minister Razzaq Al-Saadawi said. Key milestones include a fully finished runway and taxiway, 95% completion of exterior buildings, and 82% completion of the main passenger terminal. The airport spans 16 million square meters, features a 3,400-meter runway, and is designed for over 750,000 passengers annually. Remaining work focuses on installing international-standard equipment, completing interiors and access roads, conducting safety and operational testing, and staff training. Officials expect a phased ramp-up to gradually stabilize passenger services and boost regional economic activity.
