Türkiye begins renovating Damascus International Airport
The exterior of Damascus International Airport in Syria, on Jan. 4, 2025. (IHA Photo)
Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, announced on Sunday that a 25-member technical team from Türkiye started renovation work at Damascus International Airport.
In a written statement, Minister Uraloglu noted that the airport, which became inoperable after being heavily damaged during Syria’s 13-year-long civil war, is now being restored with the help of a team consisting of personnel from the Turkish General Directorate Of State Airports Authority.
The 25-member team entered Syria safely through the Cilvegozu Border Gate in Hatay’s Reyhanli district on Feb. 7, Uraloglu said. “We have dispatched 113 vehicles, devices, and systems in six trucks to ensure safe flight operations at Damascus Airport and within Syrian airspace. Our team, which is currently installing these devices, will also complete the training of airport personnel,” he stated.
He added that the navigation unit is actively analyzing flight operations within Syrian airspace, while damaged or long-defunct navigation aid devices have been repaired. Additionally, two new radio transmitter and receiver systems have been installed in the airport’s air traffic control tower.
Enhanced security measures at Damascus International Airport
Minister Uraloglu also highlighted the deployment of specialized teams responsible for air navigation systems, terminal electronics, security, and airport rescue and firefighting operations (ARFF).
“We have increased fire safety levels at Damascus Airport by sending two domestically-produced ‘Volkan Lion 8×8 combined ARFF vehicles’ along with various firefighting equipment from Türkiye,” Uraloglu said.
To enhance terminal security, Türkiye has delivered 10 x-ray devices, four explosive trace detectors, 10 walk-through metal detectors, and eight handheld metal detectors to the airport. “So far, we have installed six x-ray devices and five walk-through metal detectors, and the installation of the remaining equipment, along with repairs to existing devices, is ongoing,” he explained.
“Our technical teams are working meticulously across all areas, from air navigation systems to security protocols, to boost the airport’s operational efficiency. As Türkiye, we remain committed to supporting our friend and brother country, Syria, in strengthening its aviation infrastructure,” Uraloglu concluded.
