The major project was meant to expand and modernise Baghdad airport. Photo: Flickr VisionThe major project was meant to expand and modernise Baghdad airport. Photo: Flickr VisionAli Al Zaidi has launched efforts to tackle graft since taking office
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi cancelled a $764 million Baghdad airport redevelopment amid corruption allegations linked to the previous administration.
The airport contract, awarded in October 2025 to a consortium led by Corporation America Airports with Amwaj International, aimed to expand capacity and upgrade terminals.
The International Finance Corporation helped structure public-private partnership models for airport management that authorities may replicate for other airports.
A government official says the deal “had been the subject of corruption allegations in the past,” said a government official, underscoring scrutiny of the tender and pricing.
