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Release Number: 04-07-11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MNF-North: Mosul Airfield renovations begin transition to civilian use
MOSUL, IRAQ – Renovations are underway to turn Mosul Airfield into a commercial airport, bringing international commerce and trade to northern Iraq. A ceremony was held Saturday to celebrate the first phase of the airfield construction and the beginning of the transition.
The process to remodel the existing airport terminal and to demolish military-style bunkers left over on the airfield from Saddam Hussein’s regime was recently begun. In addition to this first phase of remodeling, Iraqi and multinational officials plan to renovate the airport taxiway, to build a second terminal and a tower and to update the electrical system, the weather forecasting equipment and the runway lights.
The demolition of military bunkers and renovation of a mosque on the compound symbolize an effort to give Iraq back to the Iraqis together with the transfer of authority which happened June 28. The Iraqi leaders expect to be able to host international flights within two years. The city council and governor approved a plan to purchase planes at the end of this year to begin flights to the countries that surround Iraq.
The planned renovations will bring Mosul Airport to international standards, allowing flights from commercial airlines to fly into and out of the airport. The airport will bring business and trade from around the world to northern Iraq, providing many economic opportunities for the local people. It will also provide access to northern Iraq for tourists who are interested in experiencing Iraq’s historical sites.
“Mosul is the hub of northern Iraq,” said Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Abdul-Karim, director of the project. “Now people from across northern Iraq can fly out of Mosul, instead of making a long drive to Baghdad.”
The presence of an international airport is important in the development of the northern Iraqi economy as it steps into the world as a new, free and democratic nation.
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