The General Authority of Civil Aviation in the Syrian Arab Republic signed the final concession contracts related to investment in the development, expansion, construction, and operation of Damascus International Airport with an international consortium led by UCC Holding through its subsidiary Urbacon Concessions Investment, with the participation of Cengiz İnşaat of Turkey, Kalyon İnşaat of Turkey, and Assets Investments of the United States. 

Implementation activities are already underway, with the consortium beginning construction on Terminal 2, refurbishing the former airport hotel, and upgrading the primary access road. The project’s long-term plan is to boost capacity to 31 million passengers per year and transform Damascus International Airport into a key regional hub with a seamless, high-quality travel experience. The revamped airport will include modern amenities such as a five-star hotel, a designated free-trade zone, and expanded passenger services. The architectural concept for the new airport was developed in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects as part of a broader vision to create a contemporary urban landmark that embodies Damascus’s character and heritage. The design emphasizes flowing lines, open and expansive spaces, and abundant natural light, while incorporating smart infrastructure and cutting-edge aviation technologies to deliver strong operational performance. The project is advancing under a phased development strategy designed to expand Damascus International Airport into a modern, fully integrated regional hub. The first stage involves bringing the new Terminal 2 into operation before the next Hajj season, once all operational, logistical, security, navigation, ground-handling, and fueling systems are in place. At the same time, Terminal 1 will undergo a full redesign and upgrade, including improvements to its interior spaces and service areas. This work is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 and will increase the airport’s total capacity to 6 million passengers per year.

In the next phase, the project moves to a larger expansion through developing airside and logistical facilities, aircraft stands, cargo centers, and commercial and service infrastructure, simultaneously with the construction of the new Terminal 3, which will be built according to the highest international standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The terminal will include advanced operational capabilities, including up to 32 gates equipped with modern boarding bridges, as well as a world-class duty-free zone featuring restaurants, cafés, and international brands. The project also includes a USD 250 million financing program for the purchase of new aircraft in support of Syria’s aviation sector, in addition to adopting the latest operational technologies such as electronic gates (E-Gates), which will accelerate passenger processing and enhance the overall efficiency of airport operations.