A new airport has been opened in Iraq's Shiite holy city, Najaf, in preparation for an expected religious tourism boom in the city, writes aljazeera.net.
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki made the inaugural flight to the former military airport on Sunday calling the opening a historic moment symbolising "equality among all Iraqis."
Planners hope that the new airport will increase the number of visitors by 10% annually, said the news service.
Kuwait investment firm Al-Aqeelah, which is leading the project, said the multi-billion dollar development will extend to houses and hotels in the city.
By staff writer
