LONDON: Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has begun rehabilitating Deir Ezzor airport as part of a broader initiative to resume operations after years of closure.

In a post on X, Omar Hosari, head of the authority, said the project reflects efforts to reconnect Deir Ezzor with Syrian airspace, in line with operational requirements for the province, and to facilitate travel for residents.

Deputy Chairman Amjad Nakkhal conducted a field inspection of the airport to review the progress of rehabilitation work on infrastructure and operational facilities, the authority said.

The works involve enhancing essential infrastructure and service facilities to ensure safety and operational efficiency ahead of the planned reopening to air traffic, to be announced soon, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.

Deir Ezzor airport, located in eastern Syria, was under the control of the Syrian forces loyal to the regime of Bashar Assad and suffered damage during the civil war, with reported attacks by Daesh militants. It was among several Syrian airports that remained largely unused after international airlines halted flights to the country in 2012 due to security instability.

Since 2025, the airport has been managed by the new administration in Damascus, following a brief period of control by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.