Iraq Duty Free provides an update on Baghdad Airport upgrade and future expectations
A look at Babylon Terminal at Baghdad International Airport
Iraq Duty Free (IDF) is upgrading its departures store in Babylon Terminal B at Baghdad Airport to create more space and a broader offer, according to the company. This renovation will be followed by another renovation to its arrivals store at Sammara. These renovations “will enhance the pre-flight experience for international travelers at Baghdad International Airport and create a great shopping experience that seamlessly blends modernity with the rich identity of our brands,” says a spokesperson at IDF.
The renovated areas will include all categories, but will highlight the retailer’s largest offer, perfumes and confectionery, located in the most visible section of the store. “Interspersed throughout the floor will be gondolas for accessories, cosmetics, watches and other categories,” says the spokesperson. “In addition, we will upgrade separate sections for liquors, tobacco, souvenirs and travel accessories in the rear section of the store.”
For the renovations, IDF has focused efforts on its most popular product categories of fragrances and spirits. “Most travelers' spending habits are on perfumes and liquors, which represent the largest percentage of our sales at Iraq Duty Free, followed by confectionery and other categories,” adds the spokesperson.
Full steam ahead
The renovation of the IDF stores at the Babylon Terminal is ahead of schedule. This is thanks to the timely completion of the Samarra Terminal 3 upgrade, which opened in January 2023 and has contributed "promising results" so far this year.
The Samarra Terminal departure store upgrade, which has been a key focus for Iraq Duty Free, is almost completed. “We have been focused on upgrading our retail spaces with new design and fixtures,” says the source. “In terms of investment, we have renovated all our existing shops to international standards with the exception of one still to come, in the departures area for the international concourse known as Babylon. It is due to open at the end of first quarter 2024.”
Sales will not be affected during the renovations, says the company, explaining IDF has prepared a temporary store that will serve its customers during renovation work. “Our expectations are that sales will be doubled with the new-look stores, due to the expansion of most category sections and inclusion of new brands as well.”
PAX increasing
Average passenger numbers are very good and increasing all the time, confirmed IDF. “The number of international passengers traveling through Baghdad Airport per year is around 3.5 million to 4 million. Iraqi airport travelers are dominated by Iraqi nationals, representing around 70% of travelers. Expats and other nationalities represent around 30% of travelers from various countries,” he says.
A diverse range of airlines operate at Baghdad, and many international airlines fly out of the Babylon Terminal. These include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Gulf Air, Middle East Airlines, Fly Baghdad, Ur Airlines, Fly Nas, Pegasus, Sham Wings, Egypt Air, Air Arabia, Tailwind Airlines and more.
