KDC Interview with Zaid Zwain, General Manager, Erbil International Airport 19.12.2005
London, 14 December

I can also say that visitors will receive a warm welcome and a big surprise. As soon as they land in Kurdistan they will see that the Region is very different from the images of Iraq shown on their televisions - it is peaceful and everyone is busy building for the future.

Q. What are the plans for development of the airport and its facilities? Are future projects open to foreign direct investment?

The new terminal at EIA is just the beginning; I would say it is just ten percent of the final design. The Kurdistan Regional Government and the airport management have ambitious plans to expand the airport. We forecast that the future will bring huge increases in passenger numbers and cargo traffic, especially because Kurdistan is developing into a commercial centre in Iraq and a tourist destination for the whole region.

The plans include building a second runway that would be long enough to even land a space shuttle - in theory anyway. The terminal space will triple in size and facilities such as duty free shopping and accommodation will be established and improved, this is scheduled to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2007.

The development of the airport is open to investment by foreign companies, international advice and skills would be useful and welcomed. The airport currently employs 400 staff and this is set to increase with planned developments.

Q. What level of security is there at EIA?

Although our Region is far more peaceful than the rest of the country, security is taken very seriously in order to keep it this way. Regarding the airport, general visitors can not drive themselves all the way up to the airport terminal. They are dropped of at a security check point and then bussed to the main building. This also applies to friends and relatives meeting passengers at the airport, a meeting point is provided on the perimeter of the airport. All cars are subjected to thorough checks including the use of mirrors to check underneath vehicles. We have a strong team of professionally trained and loyal guards and Peshmerga who also use sniffer dogs and of course luggage is checked very carefully.

In terms of time to get through all security checks, we advise that passengers arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours before their flight is scheduled to depart.

Q. Which routes to Erbil are currently operational and which routes are planned to open in the near future?

Kurdistan in has no access to the sea so it has been very important to build an airport that can receive international flights. We are proud to have regular, direct flights from the Middle East and Europe. With the violence that sadly affects the rest of Iraq, it is a real benefit to travellers that they do not have to fly via Baghdad.

At present we receive between 20 and 30 flights each week, carrying a minimum of 1000 visitors, many are international press and business people. Direct flights come in from Amman, Dubai, Frankfurt and Stockholm and we hope to have direct flights from Austria, the United Kingdom and Turkey soon. There are also flights from Beirut, Cairo, and Istanbul but these currently go via Baghdad. I would advise passengers go to www.hawlerairport.org for the latest flight information. People travelling to Kurdistan to seek investment opportunities should also contact the KDC for business advice.

Q. Can you confirm any details of direct flights from Istanbul to Erbil?

The first direct flight to land at Erbil International Airport from Istanbul did so successfully on Friday 10th December 2005. This is a political milestone and we look forward to regular flights soon.

Q. What are the facilities for cargo planes at EIA?

Kurdistan is developing at great speed with many new projects in the pipeline, attracting international investors and trader. Additionally we have no established postal system. Because of this, there will be a huge demand for cargo services and facilities. We already receive cargo planes daily. The planes are of varying sizes including the larger I1-76 and C-17 models. Development of the cargo facilities is included in the planned expansion of the airport.

Q. Do passengers require visas and do you have any other advice for visitors on arriving at the airport?

We must advise that all travellers check with the Iraqi Embassy in their home country about the requirement for visas. If people have time before travelling, it is best to obtain a visa. In emergencies, with the authority of the Federal Government in Baghdad, we are able to issue visas at the airport at the cost of USD 81.

Regarding customs and excise' there are limits to the amount of cash or jewellery that both Iraqi and foreign visitors can enter or leave Iraq with. I advise that these details are checked on the EIA website before travel.

We are working on establishing regular bus and taxi services into Erbil city centre but advise for now that visitors arrange for collection from the airport.

The only other thing I can advise is that visitors give themselves enough time to visit the many beautiful and interesting places in our region. Visitors should also bring a camera and take many photos to show other people that Kurdistan really is a place in Iraq that enjoys both peace and prosperity.

To find out more information on Erbil International Airport and available flights go to www.hawlerairport.org

Business travellers can also view www.kurdistancorporation.com for more information on opportunities in the region. Or call KDC +44 (0)20 7170 4315.

www.kurdistancorporation.com   

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