In a significant move aimed at fostering renewed ties between Türkiye and post-Assad Syria, Türkiye has commenced the renovation of Damascus International Airport. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to re-establish and enhance infrastructure in the war-torn nation, signaling a pivotal step towards normalization and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
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The project to restore Damascus International Airport, which had been severely impacted during the 13-year civil war that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, was announced by Türkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. The minister highlighted that a technical team of 25 individuals, backed by 113 vehicles, devices, and systems, has been dispatched to Syria to undertake this critical task. These specialists include experts in air navigation, aviation electronics, and security, underscoring the comprehensive approach Türkiye is taking to ensure the airport not only functions again but does so with modern, safe, and efficient standards. The renovation of Damascus International Airport is not just about physical reconstruction. It represents a symbolic gesture of rebuilding bridges and fostering regional connectivity. The airport, once a bustling hub, had seen its operations halted after the rapid offensive that led to Assad's ouster in December 2024. Since then, various efforts have been made to restore its functionality, with domestic flights resuming shortly after the regime change and international flights following in January 2025, marked by the historic landing of a Qatar Airways flight.
The involvement of Türkiye in this project also aligns with its broader diplomatic and economic re-engagement with Syria following a period of strained relations during the Assad era. Türkiye's assistance extends beyond mere infrastructure; it includes support in energy, transportation, and reconstruction, aimed at stabilizing Syria's transition. This commitment was further evidenced by Türkiye's resumption of commercial flights to Damascus by Turkish Airlines, which had ceased operations to the Syrian capital for over a decade. The technical team from Türkiye is tasked with ensuring safe flight operations, which involves not only repairing the physical damage but also updating the airport's navigation, security, and electronic systems. This upgrade is crucial for integrating Damascus back into the international aviation network, thereby facilitating easier access to aid, commerce, and travel, which are vital for Syria's economic recovery and social reintegration.
Moreover, this renovation project is seen as a precursor to further collaborative efforts between Türkiye and Syria's new administration. With ongoing calls from Turkish officials for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria to aid in the provision of essential services, the airport's restoration could serve as a model for other infrastructural projects, potentially encouraging more international investment and support. The implications of this renovation for the region are manifold. It not only aids in the physical reconstruction of Syria but also in mending political fences, fostering economic ties, and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. As Damascus International Airport is set to become a beacon of rebirth, the project embodies hope for a more interconnected and peaceful future between Türkiye and Syria, marking a new chapter in their shared history.