Nasiriyah International Airport reaches 68% completion, targets early 2027 opening

Nasiriyah International Airport terminal design Nasiriyah (IraqiNews.com) — Construction work on the Nasiriyah International Airport project in Dhi Qar Governorate has reached a 68% overall completion rate, according to statements made on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by Captain Ihab Saad, Director General of the General Company for Airports Management and Air Navigation Services. Saad characterized the construction momentum as continuous and accelerating, confirming that the facility is projected for official delivery in early 2027, provided current construction schedules proceed without unforeseen disruptions. Technical Milestones & Equipment Inspection Current Progress: Civil and structural engineering works stand at 68% completion. Ground Handling Systems: Progress rates are set to increase significantly upon the delivery and installation of new ground handling and airfield equipment batches. Factory Acceptance Testing in China: A specialized technical committee is traveling to China to conduct rigorous factory acceptance tests on navigational, baggage, and ground operations equipment prior to on-site installation. Contractual Adjustments: Project authorities have resolved primary operational bottlenecks and are finalizing a new contract appendix to formally settle remaining technical and logistical requirements. The foundation stone for Nasiriyah International Airport was laid in June 2021 to serve as a major commercial and logistics hub for southern Iraq: International Contractors: In mid-July 2024, the Ministry of Transport finalized a consultancy and design contract appendix with Turkish firm Kiklop Design Hertz Insaat, alongside an amended engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC). Delivery Schedule Evolution: Following earlier timeline revisions from late 2025 into early 2026, project management has established early 2027 as the targeted commissioning window to accommodate factory testing, equipment integration, and final aviation certification. Upon completion, Nasiriyah International Airport will serve as a critical gateway for passenger transit, business investment, and cultural tourism in Dhi Qar, providing direct international connectivity to the ancient city of Ur, the Mesopotamian Marshes (Ahwar), and surrounding southern industrial zones.