ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The long-anticipated reopening of Mosul International Airport has been postponed after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani did not attend the scheduled inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, which was to mark 11 years since the city fell to the Islamic State (ISIS).
Mosul, the capital of northern Iraq’s Nineveh province, was seized by ISIS in June 2014 during the group’s rapid territorial expansion across Iraq and Syria. The airport was among the critical infrastructure rendered inoperable during the group’s occupation. ISIS later declared Mosul the capital of its so-called caliphate.
Reconstruction of the airport began in August 2022, with a project budget of approximately 200 billion Iraqi dinars (about $142.8 million). The reopening was slated for June 10, with the prime minister’s presence expected to commemorate the symbolic anniversary.
However, Mohammed Kakayi, head of Nineveh provincial council’s security committee told Rudaw that “the airport will not be reopened and [the inauguration ceremony] has been delayed,” suggesting that it may be set for next week on a less symbolic date.
Kakayi had told Rudaw in May that Sudani was scheduled to reopen the airport on June 10. During a visit to the site in December, the Iraqi premier had instructed authorities to complete the project in time for the liberation anniversary, in a move meant to “send a message of defiance against terrorism.”
The delay, according to Kakayi, is due to Sudani’s crowded schedule. On Tuesday, his office announced he was in Baghdad to lay the foundation stone for a housing project for the elderly.
Originally established in 1920, Mosul International Airport spans roughly 1,600 dunams. On Thursday, the airport marked a milestone when an aircraft completed the first test landing in over a decade.
Nineveh Governor Abdulqadir al-Dakhil, who was on board the test flight, described the event as “historic” and “long awaited by the people of the province.”
Speaking to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), he confirmed that “preparations for the inauguration of Mosul International Airport have been completed.” He added that the facility now includes a cargo terminal, extended runways, advanced night lighting systems, and modernized navigation equipment.
“The airport will officially open soon,” Dakhil said.
During ISIS’ occupation of Mosul, the group imposed a brutal interpretation of Sharia law, committed widespread human rights abuses, and destroyed numerous religious and cultural landmarks.
A major operation to retake the city began in October 2016, led by Iraqi forces with key support from the US-led Global Coalition. Kurdish Peshmerga forces also played a vital role, particularly in securing the eastern and northern approaches, clearing surrounding areas, and cutting off ISIS supply lines.
Mosul International Airport was recaptured in February 2017, and the city was officially declared liberated in July of that year.
Hastyar Qadir contributed to this report.
