Syria Customs Authority Orders Infrastructure Upgrades at Aleppo International Airport

Inspection Visit and Objectives

Qutaiba Badawi, head of the General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, conducted an inspection visit to the customs directorate of Aleppo International Airport on Thursday, 23 July 2025, accompanied by a delegation from the authority's central administration. The visit aimed to assess operational readiness, review workflow procedures, and evaluate the quality of services provided to travellers.

The inspection covered several sections of the directorate, including arrival and departure halls, where Badawi reviewed customs clearance procedures and the deployment of modern scanning equipment.

Scanning Equipment and Operational Efficiency

Badawi paid particular attention to the modern scanner systems recently installed at the airport. According to the authority, these devices contribute to raising the efficiency of inspection operations, strengthening customs oversight, and accelerating the processing of passengers and their baggage simultaneously.

Directives and Future Priorities

Badawi emphasised a set of priorities to be pursued in the coming period, including:

• Optimal utilisation of available modern equipment and devices.
• Training and upskilling of technical personnel.
• Continued development of customs performance to ensure smooth procedural flow.
• Maintaining the balance between facilitating passenger movement and adhering to applicable regulations.

Resumption of International Air Routes

These directives coincide with a notable expansion of international air connectivity at Aleppo International Airport. On 20 July 2025, the airport received the inaugural flight of UAE carrier flydubai from Dubai, marking the launch of regular scheduled services between the two cities.

Earlier, on 25 June 2025, the airport had welcomed the first flight of Kuwaiti carrier Jazeera Airways from Kuwait International Airport, a step that strengthened air links between Syria and Kuwait and expanded travel options for passengers.

Broader Context

These directives form part of the General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs' broader efforts to raise service standards at Syrian air entry points, in line with growing air traffic volumes and the requirements of rebuilding and modernising the sector.