Damascus: A Turkish technical team has commenced efforts in Syria to rehabilitate and develop Damascus International Airport, focusing on the training of employees in handling devices related to aircraft movement and air navigation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Ural Oglu, announced on Sunday that Turkey dispatched a specialized technical team to prepare Damascus Airport for resuming full operational status. The Minister stated that a team was formed from the General Directorate of Government Airports Operations to address the damages sustained by the airport over the past 13 years.

Ural Oglu noted that six trucks carrying 113 pieces of equipment and devices were sent to ensure flight safety at Damascus Airport and within Syrian airspace. These devices will also be used to train Syrian personnel in their operation. The technical team comprises experts specializing in air navigation, avionics, security electronics, and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF).

The air navigation unit at Damascus Airport is tasked with analyzing flight operations within Syrian airspace and managing landing, takeoff, and transit operations, as highlighted by the Turkish Minister. Efforts have been made to repair devices critical to air navigation, many of which were damaged or nonfunctional due to the conflict. Additionally, two new transmitter and receiver systems have been installed in the airport’s control tower.

Ural Oglu also mentioned that Turkey has provided 10 X-ray machines, 4 explosives detectors, 10 metal detector gates, and 8 other metal detectors to bolster security. He affirmed Turkey’s commitment to ongoing cooperation in strengthening Syria’s aviation infrastructure.