Syria Begins Converting Mezzeh Airport into Civil Hub for Private Aviation
Syria's General Authority for Civil Aviation has announced the start of initial rehabilitation works at Mezzeh airbase in Damascus, preparing to reclassify it from a military facility into a limited civil airport specialized in private and executive aviation.
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Key points
- Initial rehabilitation works have begun at Mezzeh airbase in Damascus.
- The base will be reclassified from military use to a limited civil airport.
- The new designation focuses on private and executive aviation.
- Current works include rubble removal and navigation infrastructure repairs.
- No timeline has been announced for completion or operational launch.
What did Syria's civil aviation authority announce about Mezzeh?
Syria's General Authority for Civil Aviation announced the launch of initial rehabilitation works at Mezzeh airbase, paving the way for its reclassification from a military facility into a limited civil airport specialized in private and executive aviation. Mezzeh, located near Damascus, has long served as a military airbase.
Stages of the Mezzeh airport rehabilitation works
The authority stated that the current phase involves removing accumulated rubble within the airport and rehabilitating certain components of the navigation-related infrastructure. These steps mark the beginning of a lengthy technical and regulatory process before the airport becomes ready for civil use.
Why convert Mezzeh into a private aviation airport?
The conversion reflects an effort to separate military from civilian uses within Syrian aviation. Business and private aircraft typically require less congested facilities than major commercial airports, which is the specialized role envisioned for Mezzeh under its new classification as a limited civil airport.
What this means for Syrians and travelers
No timeline has been announced for completing the rehabilitation works or launching actual operations, so travelers should not expect any immediate impact. In the longer term, the airport could offer an additional gateway to Damascus for private and executive aircraft, serving business travelers, delegations, and members of the diaspora visiting Syria.
Will Mezzeh become a regular commercial airport?
According to the announcement, Mezzeh's new classification is a limited civil airport specialized in private and executive aviation, not a commercial airport for scheduled flights. Its role will complement Damascus International Airport rather than compete with it.
Frequently asked questions
What is happening to Mezzeh airport?
Syria's General Authority for Civil Aviation has begun initial rehabilitation works at Mezzeh military airbase to convert it into a limited civil airport specialized in private and executive aviation. Current works include rubble removal and navigation infrastructure rehabilitation.
When will Mezzeh airport open for civil flights?
No date has been announced for completing the rehabilitation works or starting actual operations. The current works are preliminary, involving rubble removal and rehabilitation of some navigation-related infrastructure components.
Will Mezzeh airport serve commercial flights?
No. The announced classification is a limited civil airport specialized in private and executive aviation, not a commercial airport for scheduled passenger flights. It will complement, not replace, Damascus International Airport.
Who is responsible for Mezzeh airport rehabilitation?
Syria's General Authority for Civil Aviation announced and oversees the initial rehabilitation works at Mezzeh airbase and its reclassification from a military facility to a specialized civil airport.
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