ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani inaugurated Mosul International Airport on Wednesday, on the anniversary of the city’s liberation from the Islamic State (ISIS).
In a brief statement on X, Sudani's office confirmed the news, sharing pictures of the inauguration ceremony.
Mosul, the capital of Iraq’s northern Nineveh province, was captured by ISIS in June 2014 during the group’s rapid expansion across Iraq and Syria. The airport was heavily damaged during the occupation, and the city was declared the capital of ISIS’ so-called caliphate.
Reconstruction of the airport began in August 2022 with a budget of around 200 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $142.8 million).
The reopening was initially set for June 10 to mark the anniversary of the airport’s fall to ISIS - a symbolic gesture meant to “send a message of defiance against terrorism,” said Mohammed Kakayi, head of Nineveh’s provincial council security committee, in an interview with Rudaw in early June. He added that the ceremony was postponed due to the prime minister’s crowded schedule.
Originally established in 1920, the airport spans roughly 1,600 dunams. It marked a key milestone in early June when a plane completed the first test landing in over a decade.
Nineveh Governor Abdulqadir al-Dakhil, who was aboard the test flight, called it “historic” and “long awaited.”
Speaking to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), he confirmed that “preparations for the inauguration of Mosul International Airport have been completed.
“The airport will officially open soon,” Dakhil then said.
During its occupation of Mosul, ISIS imposed a harsh interpretation of Sharia law, carried out widespread human rights violations, and destroyed numerous religious and cultural sites.
A major operation to retake the city began in October 2016, led by Iraqi forces with critical support from the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Kurdish Peshmerga forces also played a vital role in the offensive, particularly in securing the eastern and northern flanks, clearing surrounding areas, and cutting off ISIS supply lines.
Mosul International Airport was recaptured in February 2017, and the city was officially declared liberated on July 10 of the same year.
