Damascus: A consortium of Turkish construction firms has secured a landmark deal to participate in the $4 billion project to expand and modernize Damascus International Airport. The ambitious project aims to significantly enhance the airport's capacity and infrastructure over the next decade.

According to Anadolu Agency, the consortium, which includes Turkish construction giants Kalyon Insaat and Cengiz Insaat, has partnered with Qatari firm UCC, US-based Assets Investments, the Syrian Finance Ministry, and the Syrian Civil Aviation General Authority. The collaboration will focus on rehabilitating existing facilities and constructing new terminals, aiming to increase the airport's annual passenger capacity to over 31 million.

The project is structured into four phases, with the first two phases expected to be completed by 2026, elevating the airport's capacity to host 6 million passengers. The subsequent phases will further boost capacity, culminating in a total of 31 million passengers annually. The comprehensive modernization effort is set to create over 90,000 jobs and is anticipated to have a positive impact on trade, tourism, and logistics in the region.

An integral part of the deal includes a $250 million investment in aircraft financing to renew the fleet, enhancing the airport's operational capacity on international routes. Murathan Kalyoncu, chair of Kalyon Insaat, emphasized the significance of this project for both the Syrian economy and regional development, drawing on their previous success at IGA Istanbul Airport.

Asim Cengiz, deputy chair of Cengiz Insaat, highlighted the project's role in restoring Syria's aviation infrastructure to international standards. He noted the endeavor's potential to revive trade and transportation networks, while supporting Syria's long-term development goals. The consortium aims to establish a resilient and sustainable aviation infrastructure to meet the country's future needs.