Damascus: Trkiye 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, the country's transportation and infrastructure minister said on Sunday. In a written statement, Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed that the Turkish team, comprising personnel from the State Airports Directorate, is working to make the airport operational again.
According to Anadolu Agency, the team entered Syria safely on February 7 through the Cilvegozu Border Gate in Reyhanli 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," Uraloglu stated. He added that the team will also complete the training of airport personnel.
To improve airport security, Trkiye has provided 10 X-ray machines, four explosive trace detectors, 10 walk-through metal detectors, and eight handheld metal detectors. "Our teams, working in coordination with Syrian officials, have completed the installation of most of these devices," Uraloglu noted. Efforts to improve security levels continue, and reports are being prepared to address remaining deficiencies. So far, six X-ray machines and five walk-through metal detectors have been installed, with work continuing on the remaining security equipment and repairs to existing devices.
In addition to security enhancements, Trkiye has also supplied two domestically produced Volkan Lion 8x8 combined aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles along with various firefighting equipment to improve emergency response at the airport. "These vehicles will modernize the existing fleet and enhance the airport's fire safety classification," Uraloglu explained. Syrian personnel have received training on the new equipment, and Turkish teams are working to bring firefighting operations up to international standards.
Uraloglu emphasized that Trkiye will continue its cooperation to strengthen the aviation infrastructure of Syria, describing the neighboring nation as a "friendly and brotherly country."