There have been multiple reports that indicate a decline in several aspects of service, including cleanliness, logistics services, and the ability to handle the increasing number of travelers. Baghdad International Airport is experiencing an increase in the number of complaints from passengers regarding the deterioration of the level of services that are provided at the airport. Not only does the airport’s infrastructure suffer from neglect and poor maintenance, but it also does not have the key development activities that are necessary to make it competitive with its competitors. These competitors are located both in the area and internationally.
From aircraft delays to insufficient facilities and weak technology utilized to deliver electronic services, passengers who use the airport have voiced their unhappiness with the worsening quality of services and bad management of infrastructure. Airport passengers have expressed their frustration with the airport. When compared to regional and international airports that are seeing constant expansion, the airport ranks far lower in the rankings due to the apparent lack of services that it provides.
The criticism and proposals for change that come from inside
Within the framework of this discussion, Zuhair Al-Fatlawi, a member of the Parliamentary Transport and Communications Committee, characterized the present scenario as a manifestation of widespread corruption that impedes the growth of the airport and Iraqi Airways, also referred to as the “Green Bird.”
Al-Fatlawi said that the present scenario has “destroyed” the reputation of the airline, which used to be able to reach the majority of foreign airports, including Heathrow Airport in London. In addition, he said that the lack of competent management that is capable of operating the airport has been a significant contributor to the rise in the number of these issues.
The problem of catering on Iraqi Airways aircraft was also brought up by Al-Fatlawi, who referred to it as one of the “corruption files” that had a detrimental impact on the firm. “Baghdad Gate,” the firm that was responsible for the catering contract, saw its contract expire in January 2024, and the company has not been able to demonstrate that it has a meaningful presence in Baghdad, either by having an office or providing a headquarters there.
For a “below-par” quality of service, he underlined that this firm charges excessive costs for meals that are prepared using the same airport facilities that are used by other companies.
Attempts are being made by the new management to make the situation better.
As a result of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s discontent with the quality of services, Benkin Rikani, Minister of Construction and Housing, was given the responsibility of managing the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority. This was done in an effort to ameliorate the situation and undertake urgent changes. This action was taken as part of the government’s attempts to reform and expand the aviation industry, which is widely regarded as one of the most important sectors and has the potential to greatly contribute to the development of Iraq’s position both regionally and globally.
The perspectives of specialists and analysts
Some commentators are of the opinion that the situation at Baghdad International Airport is a reflection of bigger difficulties in the administration of public infrastructure in the country. These challenges need comprehensive development plans and a stronger engagement of the private sector in order to attract investment and enhance services. On the other hand, there are many who stress the significance of holding individuals responsible for this decline accountable in order to forestall the occurrence of future errors and to cultivate an atmosphere that is more competitive.