Iraq cancels $764 million Baghdad airport project over corruption concerns

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has decided to cancel the Baghdad International Airport development project after corruption suspicions were raised, Iraqi state media reported ‌on ⁠Sunday, citing ⁠a government source.

* The project ​involves a $764 million contract awarded last year to ​a consortium of Luxembourg-based Corporacion America Airports (CAAP) and Iraqi real ​estate firm Amwaj ⁠International, aimed at ‌upgrading and expanding ​the capital's ​main airport.

* Two ⁠government sources speaking on condition of ​anonymity due to the sensitivity of ​the matter told that officials raised concerns about potential irregularities over the tendering process and contract terms.


* The ‌move follows a drive against corruption which has meant growing ​scrutiny ​within government ⁠institutions.

* The airport upgrade had been presented as a key infrastructure project to modernise Iraq's aviation sector and increase capacity at Baghdad International Airport, which has suffered from years of underinvestment.