As part of a $4 billion USD (£2.98 billion) plan to redevelop Damascus International Airport (MAD), the Syrian government has also signed a $250 million USD (£186 million) deal with an international consortium, including a Qatari holding firm, to purchase up to 10 Airbus A320 aircraft for Syrian Air, the country’s national airline.
Renewing Damascus International Airport
The Syrian government has so far signed numerous deals aimed at strengthening its infrastructure totalling $14 billion USD (£10.4 billion). Syria has also signed a deal for $2 billion USD (£1.49 billion) with the United Arab Emirates to build a metro system in the city centre. The airport deal, signed with Qatar’s UCC Holding, aims to revitalise the airport following more than 13 years of civil war and lifting of sanctions on the country by the United States of America and the European Union.
The fighting within the country resulted in roads near the airport being closed for security reasons and many airlines reducing or stopping flights to the capital of Syria, such as Qatar Airways and Emirates. The airport resumed international flights in January 2025 after former President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown.
Syria’s Aviation Industry to Take Off
The airport began renovations in February with the help of the Turkish government. The deal between Qatar and Syria has granted $4 billion USD for the construction of the airport’s third terminal, meaning the airport’s capacity is said to be increasing to 31 million passengers per year.
Another $250 million has been set aside for Damascus International Airport to receive up to 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft as part of Syrian Air’s fleet, making the Syrian flag carrier more reliable and improving customer service. The first three A320 aircraft — the first new aircraft that Syrian Air has purchased for over a decade — are due to be delivered at the end of August 2025. The investment will not only replace outdated and obsolete aircraft, but is hoped to create thousands of jobs in the Syrian aviation sector.
Kalyon Holding is a Turkish company that is part of the consortium investing in the airport and was also responsible for the construction of Istanbul Airport (IST). Chairman Murathan Kalyoncu said the following on the project:
“Now, I wholeheartedly believe that with our management experience, engineering strength, technical competence, and solution-oriented approach, we will make significant contributions to Damascus’s transformation into a regional air transportation hub. I hope the massive investments we have undertaken will mark a turning point for Syria and provide significant support for regional development and stability.”
This boost to Syrian aviation comes after Turkish Airlines resumed its services from Istanbul to Aleppo International Airport (ALP), Syria’s other major international hub.
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