Damascus, 05 Jan.(SANA) Syria’s Civil Aviation sector recorded notable progress in 2025 across operational, security, administrative and international fields, marked by the reopening of key airports, enhanced aviation security, expanded international engagement and broad institutional reform.
Airport reopening and infrastructure development.
Damascus International Airport resumed operations in early January after the completion of essential rehabilitation works, including maintenance of aircraft parking areas, refurbishment of aprons, and preparation of passenger terminals and services related to the Hajj season.
The airport was equipped with modern baggage and passenger screening systems and explosive detection devices in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Rehabilitation also covered the control tower and immigration, passports and security facilities. Installation of advanced navigation and radar systems is underway and expected to be completed in early 2026.
Aleppo International Airport reopened on March 18 following rehabilitation of the parallel runway with navigational lighting, restoration of the security perimeter, upgrading of control tower communication systems, and improvements to passenger halls, immigration and customs facilities, as well as the presidential lounge.
Plans are also in place to rehabilitate Deir ez-Zor Airport after completing technical and security assessments. Two radar systems, one in Aleppo and another in eastern Syria, are planned to ensure full national airspace coverage.
Aviation security and international engagement
A comprehensive aviation security system aligned with ICAO requirements was established, enabling the international reopening of Damascus and Aleppo airports.
Syria officially joined the Middle East Cooperative Aviation Security Program (CASP-MID) and developed a national training plan through 2026. Authorities also prepared the national civil aviation security program and a quality control framework, conducted international airport security assessments, and organized specialized training in security, risk management and crisis response.
Syria restored its voting rights and resumed active participation in ICAO meetings, alongside engagement with the Arab Air Carriers Organization and the Arab Environmental Committee. Coordination was strengthened with civil aviation authorities in several Arab and foreign countries, including cooperation on training and technical partnerships.
Airlines return and air traffic growth
Air traffic through Syrian airspace increased nearly fivefold compared to the previous year, with more than 14 Arab and international airlines resuming flights to Damascus and Aleppo.
An air services agreement was signed with the Sultanate of Oman, while talks are ongoing to update bilateral aviation agreements with other countries.
Digital reform, training and flight safety
The General Authority of Civil Aviation implemented wide-ranging administrative and digital reforms, including automated attendance systems for over 4,700 employees, comprehensive electronic archiving, updated financial systems, and the introduction of a “single-window” system to streamline licensing and services.
The national training center was upgraded into a comprehensive hub, delivering accredited courses in cooperation with ICAO and Arab aviation bodies, while training pilots, cabin crew and technical staff locally, achieving significant cost savings.
In 2025, aviation safety authorities renewed and issued certificates for operators, training and maintenance centers, carried out technical inspections, issued and renewed hundreds of professional licenses, and updated inspection standards in line with ICAO requirements.
Overall, Syria’s air transport sector in 2025 improved service quality, increased flight operations by more than 300 percent, strengthened institutional capacity, advanced digital transformation, and reinforced its international presence and national role.
R.K
