The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced the cancellation of its March 2013 directive concerning the safety of civil aircraft operating in the Damascus Flight Information Region, and notified member states, confirming it is no longer the basis for operational decisions regarding the relevant airspace.
In a statement to SANA on Monday, Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Chairman Omar Al-Hussary confirmed that the cancellation issued by the organization on October 23 constitutes an important step toward enhancing international air traffic and represents a significant development in the process of reintegrating Syrian airspace into the international air navigation network.
End of international warning reference
Al-Hussary explained that the significance of this development lies in ending the validity of an international warning reference that persisted for over 13 years, as ICAO confirmed its previous directive is no longer the basis for operational decisions concerning Syrian airspace, and risk assessment now relies on modern international frameworks and standards adopted in this field.
Al-Hussary noted that this development allows states, civil aviation authorities, and international airlines to reassess their operational decisions regarding the use of Syrian airspace, whether for transit flights or flights arriving at or departing from Syrian airports, which may contribute to expanding air transit traffic and encouraging additional airlines to study resuming operations to Syria.
Positive development supporting diplomatic efforts
Al-Hussary clarified that the cancellation of the previous warning does not mean the automatic lifting of all operational restrictions imposed by some countries or regulatory bodies, but rather constitutes a positive development supporting technical and diplomatic efforts to address those restrictions, based on internationally accepted aviation safety and security assessments.
Al-Hussary stated that the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport continues to work and coordinate with ICAO and international civil aviation authorities to enhance confidence in the safety of air operations in Syrian airspace, and to provide the necessary technical and operational requirements to expand air connectivity with regional and international markets.
Al-Hussary pointed out that restoring the natural role of Syrian airspace in international air navigation traffic represents a strategic priority for the Authority, given its direct impact on enhancing air connectivity, increasing transport and transit traffic, and supporting economic and investment activity in the Syrian civil aviation sector.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations agency that assists 193 countries in cooperating with each other and sharing their airspace for mutual benefit. Established in 1944, it aims to support the air transport network and meet the needs of businesses and travelers worldwide regarding social and economic development and enabling broad connectivity.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
Comments (0)