Iraq merges airport management department back into air navigation company

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Transport said the Council of Ministers has approved a decision to reunite the country's airport management department with the air navigation services company. The ministry said in a written statement that the move followed a recommendation by Transport Minister Waheb al-Hasani to integrate units under joint authority and implement strategic development plans. According to the statement, the previous Council of Ministers voted in November 2023 to detach the airport management department from the Civil Aviation Authority and place it under the air navigation services company. The department was later separated from the company and converted into an independent unit within the ministry. Under the new decision, the department has been placed back under the air navigation services company. The ministry did not provide further details on the operational or staffing changes that will follow the merger.