Deir Ezzor airport is preparing to take off again. Where did the rehabilitation work go?

The technical teams of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport continue their intensive efforts to rehabilitate the Deir Ezzor Civil Airport.

This project comes after many years during which the airport was transformed from a service facility to a military site in the hands of the former regime, which exposed it to severe damage to its runways and navigational systems, today, the new national plan seeks to strip the airport of its former military character and return it to its basic function as a vital bridge linking the governorate to the Syrian and international air network.

Ending the Suffering of Road Transport

The airport is a lifeline for residents who have suffered for years from the hardship and high costs of road transport, as well as security risks.

 Testimonies from local residents to the Syrian newspaper Al-Thawra, such as university students and patients who need quick access to the capital, Damascus, confirm that the resumption of flights will save the trouble of long distances that used to take hours. The airport will not only be a means of travel, but a humanitarian tool that ensures the efficient and rapid access of medical care and educational services.

Restoration according to international standards

In this regard,  the Director of Government Communication at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Alaa Salal, explained in a statement to the newspaper "Al-Thawra" that the work is being carried out according to a phased methodology that began with the rehabilitation of "critical elements" related to aviation safety.

According to  Salal, the current rehabilitation works include the restoration of damaged runways and take-off and landing runways  , the renovation of pilotage, air traffic control and technical navigation systems, the development of passenger terminals, logistics facilities and lounges to meet international standards, in addition to conducting operational readiness tests to ensure a safe and stable aviation environment.

 Salal added that an important part of the rehabilitation work of the runway and basic facilities has been completed, in addition to the implementation of preliminary technical works on the navigational systems, while the current phase focuses on completing the technical equipment, conducting operational readiness tests, and raising the efficiency of support services, in preparation for reaching full readiness.

He indicated that the work is being carried out according to a clear executive program, which aims to achieve operational readiness during the coming period, provided that the official operation date will be announced as soon as all technical and operational safety requirements are completed  .

Salal stressed  that the restart of the airport will be a pivotal step in improving air connectivity to the Eastern Province, relieving pressure on other airports, and enhancing the continuity of air services within the national transport network.

Attracting investments and promoting development

Beyond the service aspect, the restart of the airport is seen as a "development lever" that will change the economic map of eastern Syria.

 The presence of a ready-made airport enhances the business environment, facilitates shipping and logistics operations, and motivates investors to return to the region. The project will also contribute to direct and indirect job creation, support the agriculture and trade sectors by facilitating the movement of goods and connecting the governorate to internal and external markets.

Future Vision

The rehabilitation of Deir Ezzor airport is part of a comprehensive national vision to revive Syria's sovereign facilities, and is integrated with the development efforts of Damascus and Aleppo international airports.

While the first phase will focus on domestic flights to relieve pressure on the national transport network, aspirations remain to expand into international destinations in the future, enhancing the country's economic and geographical integration and sending a strong message about the region's stability and ability to open up again.