Qatar to invest 4 billion USD in Syria’s air transport

Qatar UCC Holding signed with the Syrian Arab Republic a memorandum of understanding worth more than US$4 billion in foreign investment. The new five-company consortium is headed by Qatar’s UCC Holding. Its main task is to redevelop and expand Damascus International Airport and modernize the fleet of Syrian Airlines.

The project represents a cornerstone of the nation’s reconstruction initiatives. It aims at enhancing global connectivity and contributing to the growth of the economy, trade, and tourism. It is considered a pivotal milestone in a series of major developments implemented in vital sectors such as energy, reconstruction, and infrastructure.

The investment is one of the largest in Syria’s infrastructure in decades. It reflects the country’s drive to restore its regional and international position as well as finding its place in the regional air market. The project forms part of a package of strategic initiatives supporting Syria’s economic recovery and directed the Emir of the State of Qatar.

A world class airport

The consortium will run a build-operate-transfer venture. The latter will be executed in five successive phases. It includes to increase capacity to 6 million passengers in the first year. Then to 16 million upon completion of the second phase, and ultimately to 31 million passengers annually at full capacity.

The airport will integrate the highest international standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

It will feature up to 32 gates equipped with modern passenger boarding bridges and a fully integrated air navigation service system. The future air terminal will integrate a world-class duty-free area housing a wide selection of international restaurants, upscale cafés, and leading fashion brands. Damascus International Airport will become one of the most modern and advanced airports in the region.

The project also includes the development of the main access road to the airport, stretching up to 50 km.

In addition US$250 million will help financing to purchase up to 10 Airbus A320 aircraft for Syrian Airlines, aiming at enhancing the fleet and increasing the competitiveness of the national carrier.

Mr. Mohammad Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding, stated: “This project embodies the outcome of a strategic partnership bringing together a select group of leading international companies with a unified goal: rebuilding one of Syria’s most vital facilities in a way that reflects its future ambitions.”

Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, President and Group CEO of UCC Holding, added: “This project is not just about redeveloping Damascus International Airport; it is a strategic bridge carrying Syria toward a future of recovery and prosperity. We are investing in a sustainable development vision that enhances trade and tourism, connects Syria to the world at the highest standards, and stimulates economic growth and investment across all sectors. Leveraging Syria’s strategic location and our extensive local and regional partnerships, Damascus International Airport will become a model for advanced, smart transportation projects in the region.”

The project should create more than 90,000 direct and indirect jobs, strengthen the local economy across multiple sectors, and enable Syria to return as an active player in the regional and international aviation network. And becoming a leading strategic hub in the region.

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