Turkey undertakes the renovation of Damascus Airport: 6 truckloads of equipment sent to Syria

In a written statement, Minister Uraloğlu announced that they have formed a technical team consisting of personnel from the General Directorate of State Airports Authority for the repair and maintenance of Damascus Airport. The airport, which became unusable after being damaged during the 13-year civil war in Syria, will be repaired by Turkey.

Stating that the 25-person team entered the country safely on February 7 through the Cilvegözü Border Gate in the Reyhanlı district of Hatay, Uraloğlu made the following remarks:

'We dispatched 113 vehicles, devices, and systems via 6 trucks to ensure the safe conduct of flights at Damascus Airport and in Syrian airspace. Our team, which is installing the devices, will also complete the training processes for the Damascus Airport personnel.'

Uraloğlu noted that the technical delegation, consisting of units for 'navigation, air navigation electronics, terminal electronics, security, and airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF),' has delivered the materials to the airport, recorded the deficiencies observed, and that technical work is being carried out inside and outside the airport in cooperation.

NEW SYSTEMS INSTALLED AT THE AIRPORT

Minister Uraloğlu added that some navigational aid devices that were destroyed in the war or had been faulty for many years have been repaired, and two new receiver and transmitter radio systems have been installed in the air traffic control tower.

Stating that the navigation unit continues its work in Damascus and is analyzing all flight operations in the airspace in detail, Uraloğlu said:

''Visual flight rules' are currently being used at the airport. Our teams are also closely monitoring the landing, takeoff, and transit processes. We are evaluating how we can improve the landing and takeoff operations of Syrian airspace and Damascus Airport with air navigation aid devices.''

Emphasizing that terminal security measures have also been increased to ensure the airport serves more safely, Uraloğlu continued his statement as follows:

''10 x-ray devices, 4 explosive trace detectors, 10 door-type metal detectors, and 8 hand-held detectors were delivered to the airport from Turkey. Our teams, working in coordination with Syrian authorities, have completed the installation of most of these devices. Inspections to increase the security level of Damascus Airport are ongoing, and necessary reports are being prepared to address the deficiencies.''

While Uraloğlu reported that the installation of 6 x-ray devices and 5 door-type metal detectors has been completed so far, he underlined that work continues for the assembly of other security equipment and the repair of existing devices at the airport.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu

'BROTHERLY COUNTRY SYRIA' STATEMENT

Uraloğlu also stated that they have raised the fire safety level at Damascus Airport against emergencies, sharing the information that two domestically produced "Volkan Lion 8x8 combined ARFF vehicles" and various fire intervention equipment were sent from Turkey.

Pointing out that they have strengthened the airport's emergency response capacity with the new ARFF vehicles delivered, Uraloğlu noted:

''These vehicles will not only rejuvenate the existing fleet but also contribute to the airport's fire safety category. Necessary training on the use of the new equipment has been provided to Syrian personnel. Our teams are identifying the deficiencies of the ARFF unit and continuing their work to bring operations into compliance with international standards.

Our technical teams are working meticulously in every field, from air navigation systems to security measures, to increase the operational efficiency of the airport. As Turkey, we will continue our cooperation to strengthen the aviation infrastructure of our friendly and brotherly country, Syria.''