Photo By Staff Sgt. Aaron Thacker | Basrah International Airport Director Abdul Ameer sits at his desk reading, Nov. 28....... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Aaron Thacker
Multi-National Division South East
BASRA – Basra International Airport's management proved they can function independently from coalition support as phase one of the Hajj comes to an end.
Iraqi army officials reported that more than 4,700 pilgrims left the international portal to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year's Islamic celebration, an increase of more than 1,000 from last year.
"The Hajj is the first opportunity the Iraqis have had to show their ability to run a 24 hour operation," said Wing Cmdr. Lyn McManus, chief of staff of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing in Basra.
The Hajj is the Islamic tradition of traveling to Mecca in demonstration of solidarity with other Muslims and submission to Allah, or God.
The British Royal Air Force has assisted the redevelopment of the airport's infrastructure and management since the beginning of the war. McManus said the Iraqis have managed and operated the airport themselves for the last year.
Basra International Airport Director Abdul Ameer said that one of the major changes to BIA operations is the use of night flights. New lighting and a radar system enabled the facility to expand its hours.
Additional renovations include partitioning of arrival and departure areas for added security and new floors add to the aesthetic appeal of the facility.
Ameer said that these additional security measures help make passengers feel safer to travel.
He said 20 flights were used to move passengers from all over the region to include: al-Amara, Anssaria, Basra, Najaf and other regions of southern Iraq.
"Most of the Basra Haaj [people on the Hajj] are happy with the airport," said Ameer. "We give them food, water and blankets."
He said that with all of the development and security, the airport's future looks very good.
"I think it is becoming self-sufficient," Ameer said.
Currently, there are 12 airlines flying in and out of Basra.
Most flights to and from the airport are within Iraq; however, external flights are becoming more common from locations like the United Arab Emirates.
McManus said they plan to gradually add more airlines to the airport.
"They want to grow and attract as much business to Basra as possible," she said.
The British will continue to provide additional training and mentorship for the duration of their stay. Currently, British combat forces are expected to be out of Iraq by mid 2009.
"The key thing is that the Iraqi airport management is already supporting civil aviation. If we walked away tomorrow, they would still operate," McManus said.
"At the end of the day, they are fully operational as an international airport."
| Date Taken: | 11.29.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2008 10:39 |
| Story ID: | 27085 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 363 |
| Downloads: | 324 |
This work, Basra International Airport demonstrates self-sufficiency during Hajj, by SSG Aaron Thacker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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