Damascus International Airport: A New Takeoff After Comprehensive Development Operations

Damascus International Airport witnessed a wide-ranging development process that included its infrastructure and operational systems, as part of a plan to rehabilitate the airport after years of challenges. Arab and international companies have gradually started to return to work from and to the airport.

Alaa Salal, the Public Relations Manager at the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, stated to SANA that "the rehabilitation operations included maintenance of runways, restructuring of the internal terminal, as well as updating surveillance systems and technical devices, including replacing baggage inspection devices (scanners), updating the internal communication network, and addressing communication system malfunctions in the control tower".

Salal added that "the work extended to include installing new navigation devices at the beginnings of the runways, completely rehabilitating runway (Bravo), in addition to maintaining the navigational lighting system to ensure safe aircraft landings in difficult weather conditions." He continued: "We are soon heading to install the first modern radar in cooperation with a specialized Turkish company, as part of a plan to install 3 radars to ensure comprehensive coverage of Syrian airspace".

Regarding security, Salal pointed out "enhancing safety measures by introducing a unit (K9) consisting of trained police dogs to inspect luggage, a proactive step to ensure flight security although it is not internationally mandatory".

Salal revealed that "currently, between 22 to 25 flights are operated daily, with an average of 3500 to 4000 passengers, with expectations of an increase in this number after the joining of new airlines in the near future". He explained that "10 airlines are currently operating regularly, including Arab and foreign airlines, with expectations of the imminent joining of three additional airlines, including Emirates and Arab Airlines".

Regarding investment, Salal affirmed that "the General Authority for Civil Aviation is open to private sector participation, given the public sector's inability to meet the needs independently due to limited resources", indicating that "there is a collaborative vision aimed at enhancing services to align with Syria's strategic location".

He mentioned "rehabilitating the training center affiliated with the Authority through continuous training courses supervised by trainers accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)".

Salal concluded his statement by saying: "We monitor all positive and negative feedback on social media platforms and work around the clock to improve airport services, but the process requires time and significant resources after years of neglect and corruption, in order to achieve an advanced work environment befitting the importance of this vital facility".