The General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport has announced that rehabilitation works at Deir ez-Zor Civil Airport have reached an advanced stage, with completion rates across vital facilities exceeding 90 percent. The milestone marks significant progress toward reconnecting the governorate with the national air navigation network after more than a decade of inactivity.

Background: A Decade Out of Service

Deir ez-Zor Civil Airport had been out of civilian service for more than a decade, and the facility was repurposed for military use during the war. The first trial flight returned to the airport on 2 February 2025, when a civilian aircraft arrived from Damascus carrying airport staff and logistical equipment to assess the site's readiness. That flight confirmed the runway required maintenance and that navigation and communications equipment was absent, which framed the scope of the rehabilitation programme that followed.

Completion Rates Across Key Facilities

The Authority's Government Communications Director, Alaa Salal, confirmed that a substantial portion of runway rehabilitation and core facility works has been completed, alongside preliminary technical works on navigation systems. The passenger terminal and administrative offices stand at approximately 90% completion, with remaining tasks limited to final finishing works including painting and floor tiling, while air conditioning units are scheduled for installation within the coming days.

Salal further noted that perimeter wall works and runway maintenance have been fully completed, while maintenance of one of the entrances leading to the aircraft parking apron remains ongoing. Stone cladding works on the administrative buildings and passenger terminal have reached approximately 95%, with final finishing continuing across most sections.

Technical Systems and Infrastructure

Navigation lighting systems are technically ready, pending only the arrival of the lighting equipment for installation and commissioning. Works on the VIP reception hall are also progressing, while landscaping has reached approximately 70% completion and entrance gate works stand at the same level.

Current Phase and Next Steps

The Authority's current phase focuses on three primary tracks:

• Completing technical installations across all airport facilities
• Conducting operational readiness tests in accordance with applicable standards
• Enhancing the efficiency of support services in preparation for full operational status

The Deputy Head of the Authority, Amjad Nakhal, conducted a field visit to the airport to review the progress of infrastructure and operational facility rehabilitation, as part of a comprehensive plan to raise readiness levels ahead of the official reopening. On 2 June 2026, the Head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, Omar Al-Hassari, held an expanded meeting to discuss the requirements of the final phase and the mechanisms for completing the works in line with the approved timelines, in preparation for returning the airport to service.

Strategic Importance of the Project

Deir ez-Zor Civil Airport is a strategic asset for eastern Syria, and its return to service is expected to alleviate the governorate's isolation, facilitate passenger movement, and support economic activity across the region. The project forms part of a broader national vision aimed at restoring vital facilities in Syrian governorates and expanding domestic air connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current completion rate of the Deir ez-Zor Airport rehabilitation?

Completion rates across the airport's vital facilities have exceeded 90 percent. The passenger terminal and administrative offices stand at approximately 90%, stone cladding at approximately 95%, and landscaping and entrance gate works at approximately 70%.

Which authority is overseeing the rehabilitation?

The General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport is overseeing the project. Its Head is Omar Al-Hassari, its Deputy Head is Amjad Nakhal, and its Government Communications Director is Alaa Salal.

How long had the airport been out of service?

The airport had been out of civilian service for more than a decade and was repurposed for military use during the war. The first trial flight returned on 2 February 2025.

What works have been fully completed?

Perimeter wall works and runway maintenance have been fully completed. Remaining works focus on final finishes, the installation of air conditioning units, and the installation and commissioning of navigation lighting equipment.

What is the airport's current phase of work?

The current phase focuses on completing technical installations, conducting operational readiness tests in accordance with applicable standards, and enhancing the efficiency of support services ahead of full operational status.

When is the airport expected to reopen?

An official reopening date has not been specified in the available sources. As of 2 June 2026, the project had entered its final phase, with works continuing in line with approved timelines in preparation for returning the airport to service.

Why is the airport strategically important?

The airport is a strategic asset for eastern Syria. Its return to service is expected to reduce the governorate's isolation, facilitate passenger movement, and support economic activity, as part of a broader national plan to restore vital facilities and expand domestic air connectivity.

1. Infrastructure Status and Completion Rates (as of mid-2026)

Technical and engineering teams have made significant progress on the ground, bringing the airport closer to operational readiness according to the following milestones:

• Runway and Perimeter Wall: The maintenance and rehabilitation works for the main runway have been fully completed. Additionally, the construction of the airport's outer perimeter wall has been finished to meet international security and safety requirements.
• Passenger Terminal and Administrative Buildings: The completion rate has reached approximately 90%. Current works are focused on final cladding and finishing (such as stone cladding, which is 95% complete), as well as the installation of central air conditioning systems.
• Navigational Systems and Lighting: The preliminary technical works for advanced navigational systems (including plans to install modern radars) have been completed, and the aviation lighting systems are now ready for operation.
• Public Facilities: The completion rate for the main gates, entrances, and general landscaping has reached about 70%.

2. Recent Project Timeline

• January 2026: Security and technical inspection tours were conducted (with the participation of the Ministry of Interior and Airport Security Administration) to evaluate routing and establish a comprehensive safety plan prior to resuming air navigation.
• February 4, 2026: The comprehensive rehabilitation project was officially and intensively launched.
• April – June 2026: It was announced that the project had entered its final stages. "Operational readiness" tests for systems and equipment commenced as a preparatory step for the official opening.

3. Strategic Importance of the Airport's Return

The project goes beyond mere passenger transport; it carries significant economic and social dimensions:

• Alleviating Travel Hardships: It will end the burden of long and exhausting overland travel for the residents of the eastern region, directly reconnecting Deir ez-Zor with the capital and other governorates by air.
• Supporting Business and Freight: According to commercial shipping agents, the airport will create a paradigm shift in economic activity. Instead of shipping goods overland to Damascus first (which increases both cost and time), the airport will provide direct, rapid air freight solutions, revitalizing commercial and service activities across the governorate.

The project is advancing rapidly as part of a broader government plan to rehabilitate and reactivate vital airports and infrastructure in Syria. Current efforts are focused on ensuring that all facilities strictly comply with civil aviation safety standards before the official announcement of the first flights.