Irbil airport may be declared as international airport (16/03/05)

The supervisor of Irbil airport, Rashad Omar, has declared that he is optimistic over it being recognised as an international airport. He said that he was confident that a delegation of international inspectors would determine that Irbil airport meets the requirements to be categorised as an international airport.

The authority has done what was required

Omar added that according to the Alitihad newspaper, the authority responsible for the airport had implemented what is needed to meet these requirements by building special taxiways and building a modern control tower at the cost of $9 million.

He added that Irbil airport is considered an important airport for the Kurdish areas. He expects it to attract investors and ease the pressure caused by import and export activities. Omar added that Irbil airport has signed many agreements to launch flights to Dubai, Amman, Baghdad and many European destinations.

The expansion of the airport is expected by the end of 2006 at a total cost of $105 million. This will enable the airport to handle 4-5 million passengers annually. In addition, the authorities hope to establish a Kurdish military college with the assistance of the Jordanian Airlines.

The manger of the airport, Zayad Zwein, said that this airport will not be the only one in the Kurdish areas. He expressed his hope that many exiled Kurds will come and visit their homeland via this airport.

Source: Menareport