Qamishli International Airport. Finishing Touches Ahead of Full Resumption of Operation
Syrian News
After years of arduous road travel and the suffering endured by students, patients and parents in northeast Syria, Qamishli International Airport is close to reopening its doors to become an air bridge connecting the region with other Syrian provinces and the world.
As the work of technical modernization and the installation of the observation towers continues, the people of Al-Hasakah province are waiting for the return of this vital facility, which is not just a travel station, but an economic and humanitarian artery that will enhance stability and improve livelihoods."
In response to this transformation, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) sent an official and technical team headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Authority to assess the operational reality of the airport after a hiatus of more than a year, as engineering reports confirmed the safety of the runway and hangars, which made the resumption of operation "possible", and accordingly, comprehensive maintenance works were launched on February 25 aimed at connecting the airport to the national network in accordance with the highest international standards.
Technical Modernization and International Standards
Rehabilitation work is currently underway at an accelerated pace, including maintenance of the perimeter of the runway and yards, recalibration of navigation devices, and repair of the control tower and lighting systems.
The Director of Government Communications at the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, Alaa Al-Salal, explained in a statement that the airport is undergoing a comprehensive update of technical and communication systems, with the provision of qualified crews of air controllers, to ensure the airport's compliance with international safety and quality standards, in order to serve air traffic in the northeastern region.
Al-Salal indicated that the maintenance and rehabilitation works also include the perimeter of the runway and the yards, the recalibration of navigation devices, the repair of the control tower and lighting systems, the provision of a qualified crew of air traffic controllers, in addition to a comprehensive update of technical and communication systems. This ensures the airport's compliance with the highest approved international standards.
He pointed out that the expected resumption of the airport's operation represents an important step in enhancing air connectivity and supporting economic and service movement in the region, pointing out that the restart of the airport comes within the framework of the commitment to serve the people of the region, facilitate their movement, and meet their humanitarian and living needs.
Ability to receive most aircraft
According to the director of transport in Al-Hasakah province, Rashid al-Raja, in a statement to "Syria News", Qamishli Airport has a legacy that extends for seven decades, as it received its first flights in the 1950s, and developed into an accredited international airport, thanks to its 3615-meter-long runway.
Al-Raja said that the airport has the technical capability to receive most types of large commercial planes, and that this ancient history and strategic location near the Turkish and Iraqi borders have historically made it a vital artery that connects the province to the outside world and the rest of the Syrian cities, pointing out that the first international plane to land there officially was coming from Stockholm to Qamishli directly on June 6, 2011.
Economic and Social Impact
The airport's importance goes beyond the technical aspect to include vital humanitarian and economic dimensions, as its reopening would end the suffering of thousands of students and patients who are forced to travel arduous land distances.
It will also contribute to stimulating trade movement, facilitating the return of expatriates, and providing quick options for transporting goods, humanitarian aid, and vaccines, which will drive investment in Al-Hasakah province and create new job opportunities for youth.
In parallel with the rehabilitation of Qamishli airport, the pace of work at Deir Ezzor Airport is accelerating to restore the operational readiness of both airports together, in order to ensure the enhancement of air connectivity between the Syrian governorates and the consolidation of the pillars of stability and development in the region.
Khalil Aqtini