Following the launch of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Baghdad International Airport PPP, the Iraqi government shortlisted ten international consortiums from a pool of fourteen applicants. After completing this qualification stage, the government has now launched the Request for Proposals (RFP), inviting the prequalified bidders to submit detailed technical and financial proposals. Bids are due by September 2025, and the project will be awarded to the bidder offering the highest share of annual gross revenue to the state. With this development, Iraq reaffirms its commitment to attracting private capital and modernizing its aviation sector.
To ensure project transparency and quality, the Ministry of Transport engaged the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in September 2023. The IFC, part of the World Bank Group, provides technical and legal advice but does not invest or operate airports. Iraq benefits from the IFC’s experience in similar PPP projects across Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The IFC helped structure the RFP, ensuring the bidding remains fair and free of government financial liability. This guidance strengthens the credibility of the Baghdad International Airport PPP on the global stage.
The selected investor will fund the $400–$600 million project entirely, taking full responsibility for development, operations, and upgrades. New terminals will increase annual passenger capacity from nine to fifteen million. The investor will upgrade airfields, safety systems, and logistics infrastructure. In return, they must share gross revenue with Iraq’s treasury. Meanwhile, the government retains all sovereign responsibilities, such as customs, airspace control, and border security. Airport staff will stay employed, receive training, and enjoy better compensation. This structure avoids state borrowing while ensuring strong service delivery.
Iraq expects the airport PPP to generate over 12,000 direct jobs and significantly boost local economic output. The advisory contract with IFC remains capped at $500,000, with no disbursements to date. Officials reaffirmed Iraq will not provide financial guarantees or assume any project-related debt. Ultimately, the Baghdad International Airport PPP stands as a flagship reform project that reflects Iraq’s determination to deliver deliver modern, citizen-focused infrastructure through international best practices.
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