Israel has allowed air navigation systems enabling nighttime flights at Damascus and Aleppo international airports to become operational, after months of blocking the tests required to activate them and threatening to target calibration aircraft.
Middle East Eye reported on Friday, September 25, citing regional officials, that the navigation systems had been in Syria for more than six months, but Syrian authorities had been unable to operate them because of Israeli objections.
According to Middle East Eye, activating the navigation systems required calibration flights and tests within a 50-kilometer radius of Damascus International Airport.
The outlet reported that the United States wanted the Syrian government to address the issue through bilateral talks.
One regional official said a solution emerged after technicians determined that the calibration flights could be conducted within a 25-kilometer radius.
The official added that Syrian authorities informed the Israeli side that they would conduct the tests within the new radius, but the Israeli government did not respond.
The officials suggested that Israel’s decision not to intervene was intended to ease tensions after Washington was angered by an attack on Abu al-Duhur Airport in northern Syria.
Modern Navigation Systems for 24-Hour Operations
The Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced on September 24 that it had completed the calibration and airborne testing of modern air navigation systems at Damascus and Aleppo international airports.
The authority said the equipment had entered service in accordance with approved technical and operational requirements, adding that the work included ILS/DME and DVOR/DME systems.
It said the step would enhance the airports’ readiness for 24-hour operations, including during low visibility, fog, and difficult weather conditions.
According to the aviation authority, the new systems will also improve the safety and continuity of air operations and increase the airports’ capacity to receive more flights and airlines.
The systems will also support the expansion of the destination network and strengthen Syria’s air links with regional and international destinations, as part of efforts to develop and modernize civil aviation infrastructure and improve the efficiency and readiness of Syrian airports.
Radar Raises Israeli Concerns
The Israeli outlet INEWS 24 reported in January that the Turkish military had installed an advanced radar system in Syria as “part of steps to consolidate the Turkish presence on Syrian territory.”
The Israeli outlet, citing diplomatic affairs correspondent Amichai Stein, said the Turkish move could significantly restrict the movement of the Israeli Air Force.
The Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, however, said the radar system recently introduced at Damascus International Airport was a civilian radar intended exclusively for air navigation and civilian air traffic management.
The authority added that the new system is used as part of the aviation safety framework and operates under its full and direct authority in accordance with national laws and recognized international regulations.
It rejected attempts to involve the civil aviation sector in political or military contexts.