Syria signed the final investment contracts for the development, expansion, construction, and operation of Damascus International Airport, an unprecedented agreement that marks the largest investment project in the country’s history. The deal was concluded between the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and an international consortium led by Egypt’s Eurocon Holding, with participation from the Turkish firms Cengiz and Kalyon, alongside US-based investment company Asits.
According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the $4 billion project reflects growing international confidence in the Syrian air transport sector and its future potential. Work has already begun on the new Terminal 2 under an accelerated implementation schedule, alongside improvements to the airport’s surrounding areas and operational facilities. Simultaneously, crews are advancing on the redevelopment of the main access road to ensure smoother traffic flow and enhanced connectivity.
Design oversight is being carried out by the global consultancy Hesco, which has assembled a team of top international engineers, including specialists from the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. Their involvement is expected to grant the project a distinctive, contemporary architectural identity that meets global aviation standards.
Development Phases and Capacity Expansion
The transformation of the airport will follow several major stages. Terminal 2 will be the first to open, with operations scheduled to begin before the next Hajj season. This phase includes the full installation of operational, logistical, and security systems, from navigation and baggage handling to aircraft refueling services.
Next, Terminal 1 will undergo a complete redesign of its internal and service facilities. This upgrade is projected to raise the airport’s capacity to six million passengers annually by the end of 2026. Following this, a new Terminal 3 will be constructed according to standards certified by both International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA.
With 32 modern boarding gates and a large international duty-free area featuring global brands, restaurants, and cafes, Terminal 3 will significantly expand operational capability. Once all phases are completed, the airport’s annual passenger capacity is expected to reach 31 million, positioning it as a fully integrated regional hub.
The project also includes the construction of a five-star hotel within the airport’s boundaries to serve passengers and airlines. In addition, a dedicated $250 million fund has been set aside to procure new aircraft to strengthen the national carrier’s fleet and expand regional and international connectivity.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
The redevelopment of Damascus International Airport is considered a foundational component of Syria’s national infrastructure strategy. Beyond restoring the country’s main air gateway, the project aims to support the return of regional and international air traffic and stimulate broader economic activity.
With an estimated 90,000 direct and indirect job opportunities expected across engineering, aviation operations, logistics, hospitality, and related sectors, the airport expansion stands as one of the most significant employment-generating projects in the Syrian aviation industry. It is also poised to enhance Syria’s role in regional trade, tourism, and logistics, marking a major step forward in the rehabilitation and modernization of the national aviation sector.
