Syria is planning to build a new airport in Damascus, aiming to accommodate 30 million passengers annually. This represents a major development to ensure the future increase in air traffic, according to Omar Al-Hosari, head of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
In the context of improving the condition of existing airports, Al-Hosari pointed to the need to rehabilitate the country’s five existing airports, as plans include upgrading the existing Damascus Airport to enable it to receive 5 million passengers annually.
Meanwhile, work is underway to modernize Aleppo International Airport to increase its capacity to two million passengers annually, which represents an important step toward enhancing operational efficiency and airport capacity, according to Al-Hosari.
A decision was also made to convert Mezzeh Military Airport into a civilian airport, a move aimed at leveraging existing infrastructure and expanding the country’s civilian air transport network.
The head of the Civil Aviation Authority’s remarks came on the sidelines of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, which kicked off yesterday in Damascus with broad participation from both sides.
The forum witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Saudi Airports Holding Company and the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, indicating the Saudi side’s direct involvement in projects to develop the Syrian aviation sector.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih revealed on Thursday that 47 agreements worth up to 24 billion riyals will be signed between Saudi Arabia and Syria.
In a speech marking the opening of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus, he said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had directed the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian Business Council with high-level membership.
According to the minister, more than 20 government agencies, in addition to more than 100 leading private sector companies, are participating in the forum.
The minister affirmed that the Saudi Crown Prince’s directive to head to Syria with a large delegation comprising officials, businessmen, and investors “reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s firm and supportive stance toward Syria on its path toward economic growth and prosperity.”
He pointed out Saudi Arabia’s keenness to develop its relations with Syria “in the very important economic aspect.”
Al-Falih said that more than 500 business leaders from the private sector had applied to participate in the forum, but “due to logistical factors and because it was the first visit,” more than 100 were selected to participate.
