Damascus, November 25 (QNA) - President of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation Omar Al Hosari affirmed that the signing of the final contracts for investment in the development, expansion, construction and operation of Damascus International Airport represents the most important developmental step witnessed by the Syrian aviation sector in decades, adding that the project constitutes a key gateway towards a new economic phase that restores Syria’s status and regional role.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hosari said the project is not just an airport development, but a rebuilding of Syria’s air gateway and a consolidation of its return to the global economy. He stressed that Syria is not just restarting a facility, but restarting the entire future of the whole country.

He explained that Damascus International Airport, after the implementation of its various phases, will constitute a national platform for growth and job opportunities, and a basic infrastructure for receiving investments, facilitating trade, and connecting Syrians with the world. He added that Damascus will become a regional hub for aviation and air cargo, with an operational capacity capable of supporting the expected economic growth in the coming years, stressing that the participation of major international companies from Qatar, Turkey and the US in the consortium reflects the world’s confidence in Syria’s ability to recover, and in the existence of a clear and attractive investment environment.

Al Hosari’s statements come after the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority signed the final contracts with an international consortium led by the Qatari company UCC Holding, through its subsidiary Urbacon Concessions Investment, with the participation of two Turkish companies and a US company, about six months after the memorandum of understanding signed in May regarding the airport development project. This investment, valued at over USD 4 billion, is the largest in Syria’s history, according to the parties involved in the agreement.

According to a statement issued by the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, the consortium companies have begun construction work on the new passenger terminal, Terminal 2, which will be equipped according to an accelerated operational plan to be ready before the next Hajj season. Following the completion of security, navigation, handling, and ground services systems, the current phase also includes improvements to the airport's surrounding area and the development of the main access road. This will enhance operational readiness and accommodate the anticipated increase in air traffic volume. These works are accompanied by upgrades to the technical infrastructure and service networks, in accordance with international standards adopted at modern airports.

The agreement also includes the rehabilitation of the passenger building Terminal 1 and the development of its internal and service facilities, which will raise the airport's capacity to about 6 million passengers annually by the end of 2026. Terminal 3 will be built according to the standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), with a capacity of up to 32 gates equipped with modern jet bridges, in addition to a global duty-free market that includes restaurants, cafes and international brands, to enhance the passenger experience and improve services.

With the completion of the project, the airport’s total capacity is expected to reach 31 million passengers annually, making it a fully integrated regional hub for air traffic.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation estimates that the project will provide more than 90,000 direct and indirect job opportunities during the implementation and operation phases, in the fields of engineering, construction, air services, trade, hospitality and logistics.

The authority confirmed that the signing of the final contracts constitutes a pivotal step in the modernization of the air transport sector in Syria, and that the project will put Damascus International Airport on a new path towards strengthening its regional position in the coming years. It is expected that the implementing companies will begin expanding the scope of construction work in the coming weeks. (QNA)