Oman Signs Agreement to Launch Operations at Karbala International Airport

As part of the deepening strategic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq, Oman Airports has signed a strategic agreement with Taiba Karbala Company, the investor behind the Karbala International Airport project.

The agreement aims to equip, prepare, and support the initial operations of Karbala International Airport — one of Iraq’s most vital air transport infrastructure projects.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of Oman Airports, and Hajj Hassan Rashid Jawad Al Abayji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Taiba Karbala Company.

Spanning a period of 15 months, the agreement covers full preparation and operational support during the airport’s launch phase.

Under the terms of the agreement, Oman Airports will deploy Omani technical experts to assist with the startup phase and continue providing operational support as needed. All airport personnel will be trained to meet international aviation standards.

Strategically located between the cities of Karbala and Najaf, Karbala International Airport is expected to accommodate 2 million passengers initially, with a long-term target of 20 million passengers.

Constructed by the UK-based company Copperchase and designed by ADPI of France, the airport features Iraq’s longest runway, measuring 4.5 kilometers.