Basra council decided this week to renovate and upgrade Basra International Airport as part of preparation to host the Gulf Cup in 2013, reports AKnews.
The airport is Iraq's second biggest. Jabbar Amin Jaber, Basra Council chairman, said: “More than $100 million (116.5 billion Dinars) were allocated to begin the construction within the next couple of days.”
The airport will be brought up to international standards, and infrastructure in the surrounding area, including electricity on the roads leading to the airport, will also be upgraded.
It has spent much of its existence, spanning six decades, closed due to the two Gulf Wars and the Iraq War. Now it has several dozen international flights every day.
The Gulf Cup comprises of eight nations competing in football, volleyball, handball and basketball.
(Sources: AKnews)
I wonder if they'll spend any on customs and immigration as they still can't get their acto together and process visas under 6 hours!!
More corruption ahead!!
Functioning toilets in the custom and immigration area would be a renovation in itself. Nothing like a three hour wait with no maintained toilet facilities or food or water available either.