Türkiye has sent a 25-member technical team to Syria to begin work on restoring Damascus International Airport, which was severely damaged during the country's 13-year civil war, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu of Türkiye said on Sunday.
Worth mentioning here, last month, Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Damascus after 13 years The Turkish Airlines flight, marking the airline’s first trip to Syria in 13 years.
On the initiatives being taken, Minister Uraloğlu said the Turkish team, made up of personnel from the State Airports Directorate (DHMI), is working to make the airport operational again.
As part of the rehabilitation initiative, six trucks transported 113 vehicles, devices, and systems to Damascus for airport modernization.
The Turkish team is installing and repairing air navigation aids, deploying new radio communication systems, and conducting a detailed analysis of flight operations to ensure improved airspace safety.
On Feb. 7, the minister said the team safely entered Syria through the Cilvegözü Border Gate in Reyhanlı in the southern Turkish province of Hatay.
"To ensure safe flight operations at Damascus International Airport and in Syrian airspace, we have sent 113 vehicles, devices and systems in six trucks," he said. "Our team will also complete the training of airport personnel."
According to Uraloğlu,Türkiye has sent 10 X-ray machines, four explosive trace detectors, 10 walk-through metal detectors, and eight handheld metal detectors to improve airport security.
"Our teams, working in coordination with Syrian officials, have completed the installation of most of these devices," he said. "Efforts to improve security levels continue, and reports are being prepared to address remaining deficiencies."
He added that six X-ray machines and five walk-through metal detectors have been installed so far and work continues on the remaining security equipment and repairs to existing devices.
Türkiye has also provided two domestically produced Volkan Lion 8x8 combined aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles and various firefighting equipment to improve emergency response at the airport, Uraloglu said.
"These vehicles will modernize the existing fleet and enhance the airport's fire safety classification," he said. "Syrian personnel have received training on the new equipment and our teams are working to bring firefighting operations up to international standards."
"Türkiye will continue our cooperation to strengthen the aviation infrastructure of our friendly and brotherly country, Syria," he added.
The restoration move on the lagest Syrian Airport is expected to enhance flight operations and airport security, facilitating safer air travel in the war-affected region.
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