Mosul airport's reopening signals city's recovery from extremist occupation

By Anas al-Bar | 2025-08-02

The resumption of operations at Mosul International Airport on July 16 marked a pivotal moment in the city's recovery from the destruction inflicted by "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS), which seized and destroyed the facility in 2014.

At the official reopening ceremony, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described the airport as a "vital gateway" for Mosul and Ninawa province that enhances economic and development opportunities.

The rehabilitated airport now features a 3km runway designed to accommodate large passenger and cargo planes and two main passenger terminals.

It also includes an advanced radar system for air traffic control and digital communications, and navigational and emergency lighting systems.

An interior view of Mosul Airport following its rehabilitation is seen here in a photo taken July 16. [Office of the Prime Minister]

Originally built in 1920, Mosul Airport was Iraq's second largest civilian airport before ISIS seized it and blew up most of its buildings.

The airport rehabilitation is the keystone of a package of projects completed in various service sectors, due to its role in stimulating trade, tourism and job creation, Ninawa governor Abdul Qader al-Dakhil told Al-Fassel.

The facility also holds symbolic value as a "civilized identity and façade," he said.

The airport's return to service reflects the progress in Mosul and Ninawa province, where efforts are being made to improve living conditions repair infrastructure damaged by ISIS, al-Dakhil said.

With security established, prosperity grows and citizens reap the benefits, he said, noting that Mosul has experienced calm since ISIS's defeat in 2017, with ongoing counterterrorism campaigns contributing to the stability.

This has encouraged reconstruction activity, he said, restoring the peace of mind of Mosul residents and their optimism about the city's future.

'Strong boost of hope'

The city is steadily making its way toward reconstruction, Mosul resident Firas al-Jubouri told Al-Fassel, adding that the "years of darkness" during which people lived under the mercy of terrorists will never return.

The airport's reopening represents Mosul's transformation from a city struggling to overcome the ISIS era into a destination that attracts tourists and investment, he said.

The airport project has given people a "strong boost of hope" that they are witnessing a developmental renaissance that will erase ISIS's era from their memories, Mosul resident Hanaa al-Asaad told Al-Fassel.

The liberation from ISIS can be felt in the prevailing security that allows residents to go about their daily affairs freely and without fear, she said.

This extends to the availability of public services and the improvement in the local economy and living conditions, she added.