Oman has signed a key agreement with Iraq to help launch Karbala International Airport, a major new project aimed at boosting Iraq’s air travel sector.
The deal puts Oman Airports, the authority that manages several airports in the Sultanate, in charge of preparing the new facility for its official opening.
The agreement was signed in Iraq between Oman’s Minister of Transport and the head of Iraq’s Teebat Karbala Company, which is leading the airport’s development. The plan covers 15 months and involves a team of Omani specialists working directly in Iraq. Their job will be to oversee airport operations during the early stages and train local Iraqi staff to run the airport according to global aviation standards.
This cooperation reflects growing ties between the two countries and comes at a time when Iraq is working to rebuild its transportation systems. After years of war and neglect, the country is investing in new infrastructure to meet growing demand and serve millions of travelers.
The new Karbala International Airport is expected to play a big role in this transformation. Located between the important pilgrimage cities of Karbala and Najaf, it is designed to handle large crowds. In its first phase, it will be able to accommodate two million passengers a year, with future plans to expand to 20 million once fully developed.
The airport is especially important for religious tourism, as millions of pilgrims travel to Karbala each year. It will help ease pressure on other airports and improve access to key religious sites, while also creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy.
Oman Airports brings years of experience from managing airports in Muscat, Salalah, and other cities. Its involvement signals Oman’s interest in deepening partnerships across the region and supporting Iraq’s efforts to modernize its aviation services.
This project marks a fresh chapter in Iraq’s rebuilding process and highlights how regional cooperation can support long-term progress.