Syria reopens Deir ez-Zor Airport after 14 years as aviation revival gathers pace
Domestic and Kuwait services mark return of regular operations
DUBAI – Syria has reopened Deir ez-Zor International Airport after nearly 14 years, marking another significant step in the country's efforts to rebuild its aviation sector after years of conflict.
The airport resumed both domestic and international operations following extensive maintenance and rehabilitation work. The reopening comes as Syria presses ahead with wider plans to restore air connectivity, modernise infrastructure and expand overseas routes.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced on Wednesday that the airport had officially returned to service, ending a closure that lasted almost 14 years.
First flights
The airport welcomed its first domestic Syrian Air flight from Damascus International Airport, officially restoring regular air services between the Syrian capital and Deir ez-Zor. Shortly afterwards, it received its first international service from Kuwait, also operated by Syrian Air, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Authorities said the launch of the two routes is intended to strengthen Syria's domestic aviation network while improving international connectivity. Officials added that the renewed services are expected to make travel easier for passengers, encourage economic and investment activity, and improve links between Syria's governorates and destinations abroad.
The reopening forms part of a broader recovery of the country's aviation industry, which has accelerated following years of disruption caused by the civil war.
Route expansion
Syrian Air has also been expanding its international network with several new and restored destinations.
The airline resumed direct flights between Damascus and Amsterdam on July 2, becoming its first European route to restart after years of suspended services. Damascus-Madinah flights are scheduled to resume on August 11 with one weekly service every Tuesday, while direct flights between Damascus and Moscow are due to begin on August 16, further strengthening air links with Russia.
Anwar Aqqad, Chief Executive Officer of the Syrian Aviation Holding Company, described the Amsterdam route as a milestone in restoring the airline's presence in Europe, saying it followed a year of technical, legal and diplomatic preparations aimed at rebuilding the carrier's international network.
Recovery plans
Syria's aviation recovery is also reflected in growing traffic through its airspace. Aviation authorities reported that 20,315 aircraft transited Syrian skies during July.
The renewed activity follows the easing of sanctions after the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 and increased international engagement with the country's new leadership.
Authorities unveiled a long-term aviation strategy in July 2025 targeting completion by 2030. The plan includes rehabilitating airports across the country, converting selected military airfields for civilian use and constructing a new Damascus airport with the capacity to handle 31 million passengers annually.
A month later, Syria secured a $250 million financing package for up to 10 Airbus A320 aircraft as part of a broader $4 billion airport development agreement, underlining the scale of investment being directed towards rebuilding the country's aviation sector.