Iraqi PM cancels three Mosul airport contracts over alleged militia links

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi ordered three contracts at Mosul International Airport cancelled over alleged links to armed groups.

The contracts cover the airport’s counters, car park and taxi office, and the statement announcing the decision did not name the groups.

The services are to be awarded to international companies instead, though no timetable for the process was given.

Nineveh’s governor said the Transport Ministry had signed the contracts without the local government’s knowledge or approval, despite provincial objections.

The decision is part of a wider struggle over state control as Al Zaidi seeks to curb the influence of armed factions, including Iran-backed groups.

Mosul Airport’s contracts are both a source of revenue and a test of civilian authority in northern Iraq.

It is unclear whether the companies will challenge the cancellations or when bids from international firms will begin.