Syrian officials opened Deir Ezzor Civil Airport in eastern Syria on Wednesday, August 5, after rehabilitation work was completed, in a move aimed at reconnecting the governorate to air transport. During the opening ceremony, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced via video link development plans for the eastern region covering Deir Ezzor, Hasakah, and Raqqa governorates.

Enab Baladi’s correspondent in Deir Ezzor said several government and local officials attended the opening ceremony, which included a presentation outlining the stages of the airport’s rehabilitation and its preparation to receive flights.

During his address, al-Sharaa announced several projects that he said were part of a plan to develop the eastern region. They include the construction of a specialized cancer hospital in Deir Ezzor at an estimated cost of about $21 million, as well as a large industrial city housing food and petrochemical industries, intended to support local production and export products from the governorate to foreign markets.

Al-Sharaa also said work had begun on an international highway project linking Damascus and Deir Ezzor in both directions, following the completion of the necessary studies. The project’s estimated cost ranges from $275 million to $300 million.

The airport’s opening follows the completion of key stages of its rehabilitation, including the preparation of airport facilities and the infrastructure needed for it to resume operations after a period during which it stopped receiving flights.

Deir Ezzor International Airport receives its first international flight from Kuwait, August 3, 2026 (Enab Baladi/Jassem Abdullah)

Earlier on Wednesday, Deir Ezzor Airport received its first domestic flight from Damascus Airport, followed by its first regular international Syrian Airlines flight from Kuwait. The Civil Aviation Authority said the step reflected the governorate’s return to the regional air transport network and strengthened its links with fellow Arab countries.

Deir Ezzor Civil Airport is considered one of the eastern region’s important aviation facilities. It serves Deir Ezzor governorate and surrounding areas and connects them by air with other Syrian governorates. The airport has a main runway measuring 2,850 meters in length and 45 meters in width, in addition to operational facilities, navigation equipment, and services related to air traffic.

The airport underwent rehabilitation work covering its main facilities, runway, and surrounding security fence as part of a plan to restore its operational readiness and improve its services in line with civil aviation safety requirements. It had stopped receiving flights during the years of conflict that accompanied the Syrian revolution and was converted into a military barracks by the Assad regime.

The airport administration announced in July that it had completed the main stages required to rehabilitate the airport and achieve operational readiness, paving the way for its reopening in accordance with aviation safety and air service requirements.