Damascus International Airport Development.

The Damascus International Airport project is a large‑scale redevelopment and expansion program worth about 4 billion USD.

It aims to:

• Completely modernize the existing airport (terminals, runways, systems).

• Build a new passenger terminal (T3) in phases.

• Transform the airport into a regional hub with capacity up to 31 million passengers per year once all phases are complete.

This project is one of 12 major infrastructure deals totaling 14 billion USD signed after the political change, covering airports, metro, telecom, and energy.

The redevelopment is awarded as a Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) concession to a multinational consortium led by Qatar and Turkey:

• UrbaCon Trading & Contracting / UCC Holding (Qatar) – lead developer and main investor (via UrbaCon or “Orbacon” as some Arabic reports spell it).

• Kalyon İnşaat (Turkey) – major Turkish infrastructure contractor.

• Cengiz İnşaat (Turkey) – another large Turkish construction firm with airport experience.

• US‑based Assets / Estes Investment – partner for financing and operations.

Components

1. Refurbishment of Existing Terminals (T1 & T2)

• Full renovation of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: passenger halls, boarding gates, baggage systems, security, and aircraft stands.

• Installation of around 32 passenger boarding bridges and modern gate systems.

• Upgrade of air traffic management systems (navigation, communications, radar) in line with ICAO standards

2. New Passenger Terminal (T3) – Phased Expansion

The new Terminal 3 is the core of the expansion:

• Phase 1
  • Adds capacity for 10 million passengers per year, bringing total airport capacity to about 16 million within roughly three years of effective construction start.
• Phase 2 & Phase 3
  • Each adds another ~7.5 million passengers, with a long‑term target of 31 million passengers per year once all phases are complete.

Design and supervision:

• Architectural and engineering design is led by HESCO Global, with input from Zaha Hadid Architects on creating a futuristic, iconic terminal building.

3. Hotel and Commercial / Free Zone

• Construction of a 5‑star on‑airport hotel targeting transit passengers, crews, and conferences.

• Development of a commercial and duty‑free zone with shops, restaurants, and services.

• UCC promotional material mentions a 46,000 m² duty‑free/commercial area, but this is only for the retail component, not the whole project footprint.

4. Logistics and Cargo Facilities

• The project includes modern cargo facilities and a logistics free zone, aiming to position Damascus as a regional freight node, though detailed technical specs have not been fully disclosed publicly.

Capacity, Timeline, and Phasing

Current state (pre‑project)

• Due to war damage and outdated infrastructure, practical capacity had fallen to about 0.5 million passengers/year.

Targeted milestones

• By end of 2026 (Phase 1 works on existing terminals):
  • Fully refurbished T1 & T2.
  • Capacity increased to around 6 million passengers/year.
• Medium term (after T3 Phase 1):
  • New T3 partially in service.
  • Total capacity around 16–17 million passengers/year.
• Long term (after all phases):
  • Completed T3 with expansions.
  • Target capacity of 31 million passengers/year.
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-----------UPDATE 13.04.2026----------------
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The first phase of the investment project to develop Damascus International Airport has begun, with construction work accelerating on Terminal 2 (T2).
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With a consortium led by UrbaCon Holding, construction of Terminal 2 is progressing rapidly as part of the first phase of the Damascus International Airport development and operation project. This reflects tangible progress towards rehabilitating vital infrastructure and enhancing the airport's readiness to accommodate the anticipated growth in passenger traffic, thereby supporting regional and international connectivity and strengthening the airport's role as a strategic gateway for Syria to the world.