Deir Ezzor, Sept. 1 (SANA) The first direct flight operated by German carrier LEAV Aviation from Cologne arrived at Deir Ezzor International Airport on Tuesday, marking an expansion of international air services to Syria’s eastern region.
Omar Hosari, head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, told SANA that the flight was part of a plan to develop Deir Ezzor Airport and expand its destinations. He said three new regional destinations are also being prepared.
Specialized technical teams from the countries concerned are expected to visit the airport during September to inspect its equipment, infrastructure, and safety and security procedures before the proposed routes move to the operational stage.
The visits will pave the way for completing the necessary technical and regulatory requirements before moving toward the operational stages of the proposed routes.
“The authority’s policy is based on developing Syria’s airport network according to the operational and economic role of each airport and actual travel demand, rather than limiting international air connectivity to the main airports,” Hosari said.
Deir Ezzor International Airport resumed operations on Aug. 5 following rehabilitation work. Jazeera Airways began regular direct Kuwait-Deir Ezzor service on Aug. 8, while a World Food Programme flight arrived on Aug. 10 as humanitarian air operations resumed.
The General Authority announced on Aug. 14 that LEAV Aviation would operate weekly direct flights between Cologne and Deir Ezzor starting Sept. 01, making it the first European carrier to provide scheduled service to the airport.
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