By Staff Sgt. Aaron Thacker
Multi-National Division South East
BASRA – Iraqi authorities took control of the Basrah International Airport from coalition supervision today in a ceremony in the southern city of Basra.
This transfer of authority comes after four years of operation since it closed after the start of the war in 2003.
On hand for the event was Basrah Governor Mohamad El Wa'ili, Basrah International Airport Director Abdul Ameer, Director General of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Administration Sebeeh Al Shebany and Multi-National Division-South East Commander British Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon, as well as other officials, members of Iraqi Security forces and Iraqi media.
"This is a very positive time for Iraqis," said Basrah Governor Mohamad El Wa'ili, through an interpreter. "I thank the coalition for all of the effort they have put into this project."
Coalition forces will continue to assist BIA with its transition into an Iraqi operated international airport until they leave this summer. They will focus on communications support runway operations, fire and rescue services, business planning and infrastructure delivery.
"I think this day marks the true spirit of cooperation and partnership between Coalition forces, Iraqi authorities and the Iraqi people," said Salmon. "It aligns the fact that significant progress has been made since 2003."
Civilian scheduled flights returned in 2005 at BIA with a steady increase in flights varying between 80 and 130 flights for an average of 5,000 passengers per month. There are occasional surges during times like the hajj.
Currently, there are 12 airlines that fly in and out of Basrah, but airport officials said they are hoping to expand.
Most flights to and from the airport are within Iraq; however, external flights are becoming more common from locations like the United Arab Emirates.
New renovations have allowed for extended hours and night flights. These upgrades include new lighting, a radar system, partitioning of arrival and departure areas for added security and new floors to add to the aesthetic appeal of the facility.
| Date Taken: | 01.01.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.02.2009 07:05 |
| Story ID: | 28371 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 121 |
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