Mosul Hajj flights return, marks reentry into Pan-Arab community

Photo By Capt. Richard Ybarra | Airport and security employees assist returning pilgrims to the airport terminal upon the arrival of the initial return flight from the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at the Mosul Airport, Mosul, Iraq, Dec 28. The 2007 Hajj flights from Mosul were the first from the city in 14 years. More than 140 passengers returned on the initial flight.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

12.30.2007

Story by Capt. Richard Ybarra 

115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Multinational Division – North Public Affairs Office

MOSUL, Iraq— The Mosul Airport welcomed the initial flight of religious pilgrims returning from the annual trek to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the first time in 14 years, on Dec. 28, marking Mosul's re-entry into the Pan-Arab community.

Through recent cooperation between Iraqi and U.S. government agencies the airport was rebuilt with the intent to continue commercial air service to Saudi Arabia and other locations. Flights to Mecca for the Hajj began departing Mosul, on Dec. 2.

Mosul, located on the Tigris River in the Ninewah province of north central Iraq, has well over 2 million residents. The reopening of airport is another milestone in the renaissance of the city, according to Mr. Joshua Polacheck, Public Relations Officer for the Ninewah Provincial Reconstruction Team.

"The success of the Mosul Airport clearly demonstrates the capacity of the people of Mosul and the Government of Iraq," stated Mr. Polacheck, Public Relations Officer for the Ninewah Provincial Reconstruction Team. "We look forward to working with our Iraqi partners to ensure the Mosul Airport is an engine for economic and cultural vitality in the near future."

• Date Taken: 12.30.2007
• Date Posted: 12.30.2007 02:29
• Story ID: 15065
• Location: MOSUL, IQ