Iraqi authorities keen to open battle-scarred airport for commercial flights
The newly-named Baghdad International Airport could be open for commercial flights in July, after several months being used as a military base.
The airport, formerly known as Saddam International Airport, was reportedly the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the recent war on Iraq, with its runways hit by bomb strikes and its terminal buildings taken over as barracks for coalition troops. However, a statement issued by Central Command says that around 400 people are now working at the airport, with the intention of having it open for commercial flights within a few weeks.
Various international airlines have suggested that they will resume flights to Baghdad as soon as practicable, while Iraqi Airways bosses have stated that they are keen to resurrect the once-profitable carrier. While some of its jets were damaged during the conflict, the carrier managed to move many planes to neighbouring countries and is now keen to bring them back into service.
