Iraq grants operating license to Najaf Airport

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Civil Aviation Authority has issued an operating license to Najaf International Airport after the facility completed the technical and regulatory requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the authority announced. Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Berkin Rikani said comprehensive inspections had been carried out at Iraqi airports and that any shortcomings identified against ICAO criteria were taken as the basis for the licensing process. He added that Najaf's local administration and the airport's management worked to address the identified gaps and met the conditions required for the license. The authority said the licensing would raise safety standards, strengthen operational efficiency and support air travel for passengers moving in and out of Najaf. It described the move as an important gain for the province. No further details on the scope of the license or additional airports under similar review were immediately available.