Under the patronage of Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara and with the support of the State of Qatar, the Syrian government has signed a massive investment agreement exceeding $4 billion with an international consortium of five countries, led by Qatari company UrbaCon Holding, for the reconstruction and development of Damascus International Airport.
The project, to be implemented under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will be one of the key pillars of numerous strategic development initiatives contributing to Syria’s reconstruction, under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.
One of the Largest Infrastructure Investments in Syria
This project stands out as the largest infrastructure investment undertaken in Syria in decades. Upon completion, the airport will reach an annual passenger capacity of 31 million and become one of the region’s most modern and integrated air transport hubs.
International Partnership, Local Development
The consortium, led by UrbaCon Holding’s investment arm UCC Concessions Investments LLC, includes US-based Assets Investments USA LLC, Turkey’s Cengiz İnşaat, Kalyon İnşaat, and TAV Tepe Akfen. The signing ceremony took place in Damascus with the participation of the US Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack, representatives from the Qatari Embassy in Syria, and senior officials.
Development in Five Phases, a Vision for a Modern Airport
The project will be implemented in five phases. In the first stage, the passenger capacity will be 6 million; after the second phase, this will rise to 16 million, and in the final phase, to 31 million. The new terminal complex will include:
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Infrastructure built in accordance with ICAO and IATA standards,
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Up to 32 boarding gates,
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Integrated air navigation systems,
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Duty-free areas, restaurants, fashion brands,
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A new 50-kilometre access road,
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And fleet support for Syrian Airlines with the purchase of Airbus A320 aircraft worth $250 million.
“This Project Is a Strategic Bridge to Syria’s Future”
Mohammad Moataz Al-Khayat, Chairman of the Board of UrbaCon Holding, stated that the project is the result of a strategic partnership that combines global expertise with local needs:
“The success of projects of this scale is only possible through global collaborations that approach the local market with deep understanding. We are carrying one of Syria’s vital facilities into the future.”
Urbacon CEO Ramez Al Khayat emphasized that the project is not merely a construction initiative but a “strategic development bridge that will carry Syria into the future economically and socially.”
TAV Holding Chairman of the Board Sani Şener noted that they consider the project not only in terms of infrastructure, but also strategically in terms of regional economic integration and opening up to international trade.
Global References from Turkish Companies
The Turkish companies involved in the project will bring their experience from globally recognized airport projects such as Istanbul Airport, Ordu-Giresun, Rize-Artvin, Ankara Esenboğa, and King Khalid Airport in Saudi Arabia to Damascus.
Employment Target of 90,000 People
The project is expected to directly and indirectly provide employment for more than 90,000 people, revitalizing the local economy in multiple ways and strengthening Syria’s reintegration into the regional air transport network.
