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The Imam Hussein Holy Shrine Authority planned the construction of a new international airport as part of a broader strategy to “open up Iraq” and support regional connectivity. Located between Karbala, Najaf, and Al Hillah, the airport was conceived as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to the holy shrines, while also supporting tourism growth and the development of a new economic hub.

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The airport development program included two runways, three terminal buildings, and a 62-metre air traffic control tower. Leadin Aviation Consulting was engaged in the airside design and engineering scope, teaming up with Prointec as part of the overall project management team. The assignment focused on the airfield design during the conceptual design and early engineering phases, delivering construction design works for Phases 1 and 2 of the airside program. The scope covered a wide range of disciplines, including geometric layout, airfield ground lighting (AGL), markings, pavements, drainage, and levelling.

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During the project, an optimization of the airfield phasing was requested to better align construction sequencing with expected demand and reduce construction costs. The revised phasing approach was accepted by the client, contributing to a more efficient and realistic implementation strategy. The airside design and engineering services provided a solid, optimized foundation for the phased development of Kerbala International Airport, ensuring technical robustness, cost efficiency, and alignment between infrastructure delivery and long-term traffic demand.