The reality of air transport movement for Iraqi international airports and the movement of passengers and their trends for the year 2021

Abstract

   Air transport is the means through which spatial interaction occurs between different geographical environments, providing access to places that other modes of transportation cannot reach, thereby breaking the barrier of long distances. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in connecting cities within a single country. Thus, air transport is considered the fundamental pillar for economic, social, and political life, satisfying the needs of these areas in accordance with population growth and the continuous economic development witnessed globally, with a constant increase in demand for the services of this vital sector.

   Over the years, Iraqi Airways has contributed to meeting the demand for air transport services, successfully overcoming isolation in many areas of Iraq and connecting the country to the outside world. This has played a significant role in national economic development. The rehabilitation of the Civil Aviation Authority in Iraq and its airports (including Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Basra, Najaf) has further facilitated this. This research aims to present details of air movement in these strategic airports, study transcontinental flights over Iraqi airspace, and analyze the movement of passengers and their trends from Iraqi airports to airports worldwide and vice versa. It is important to note that this sector still requires significant additional development to become a strong competitor in both the local and international air transport markets.