The General Authority for Civil Aviation announced on Tuesday the conversion of the military Palmyra airport into an international civil airport, a step aimed at enhancing tourist and cultural movement in the historic city and facilitating access for visitors from various countries. The announcement was made by the Authority's chairman, Omar Al-Husri, during a field tour that included Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salihani, Culture Minister Muhammad Yasin Al-Salih, and Homs Governor Marhaf Al-Nu'aim, to inspect the airport's current status and determine rehabilitation requirements.
Enhancing Air Connectivity with Palmyra
Al-Husri clarified that the airport will be designated to receive charter and scheduled flights, thereby strengthening air connectivity with Palmyra and opening the door for flights from Europe, Western countries, and other regions. He noted that work on the project has begun through communication with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and by utilizing a previous study prepared by the organization to update the airport and convert it into a civil facility.
He explained that relevant authorities are coordinating with the ministries of Tourism and Culture and the Homs governorate to prepare a comprehensive vision for the project, taking into account Palmyra's historical specificity and its tourist and cultural needs. The required works include rehabilitating runways and squares, designing airport terminals, repairing damaged sections, and communicating with companies capable of executing rehabilitation works. Al-Husri estimated the time needed to complete the airport conversion at approximately six months to a year, noting that the designs will consider Palmyra's historical and architectural character and its archaeological and tourist significance.
A Crucial Step to Revitalize Tourism in Palmyra
For his part, Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salihani emphasized that converting the airport into an international civil facility constitutes a crucial step to revitalize tourism in Palmyra and surrounding areas by facilitating access and strengthening its air links with the world. He stressed the necessity of synchronizing the development of tourist infrastructure with the rehabilitation of the residential city and preparing conditions for the return of residents to their homes. Minister Al-Salihani noted the extent of damage inflicted on the city, clarifying that work is ongoing to prepare engineering plans and blueprints for rehabilitating Palmyra and restoring life to it, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Homs governorate.
Enhancing Palmyra's Cultural and Tourist Presence
For his part, Culture Minister Muhammad Yasin Al-Salih pointed out that converting the military airport into an international civil one falls within the trend aimed at enhancing Palmyra's cultural and tourist presence and expanding its openness to the world. He affirmed that the city, with its civilizational and human heritage, represents a bridge for cultural communication between Syria and various countries worldwide. Minister Al-Salih clarified that the project's importance extends beyond the tourist aspect to cultural and economic dimensions, by facilitating visits to archaeological and heritage sites, contributing to job creation, and supporting local communities. He stressed the importance of restoring activity in Palmyra after years of neglect and damage, and working to provide appropriate conditions for the return of life to the city and enhancing its status as an archaeological and cultural destination open to visitors from around the world.
Palmyra is considered one of the most prominent archaeological cities in Syria and the world, due to its historical landmarks reflecting the succession of civilizations in the region. Rehabilitating its infrastructure and developing access means are supportive steps toward restoring its tourist, cultural, and economic activity. The Palmyra airport was previously used for military purposes and bombing cities during the regime of the ousted ruler, and it sustained damage requiring rehabilitation.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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