Syria has officially reopened Deir ez-Zor International Airport after nearly 14 years of closure, marking a significant step in restoring the country's civil aviation network and improving connectivity between eastern Syria, the capital, and regional destinations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced on Wednesday that maintenance and rehabilitation works at the airport have been completed, allowing both domestic and international flight operations to resume.

According to the Authority, the reopening was marked by the arrival of the first Syrian Air domestic flight from Damascus International Airport, officially launching regular air services between Damascus and Deir ez-Zor.

The airport also received its first international flight in nearly 14 years—a Syrian Air service arriving from Kuwait—signaling the restoration of international passenger traffic to and from the eastern Syrian city, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Officials described the reopening as an important milestone in Syria's efforts to rehabilitate key transportation infrastructure that was damaged or rendered inoperable during years of conflict.

The General Authority said the launch of both domestic and international routes is part of a broader strategy to expand the country's air transport network, strengthen links between Syria's governorates, and reconnect the country with regional destinations.

The Authority added that the resumption of flights is expected to facilitate passenger travel, improve transportation services for residents of eastern Syria, and contribute to economic recovery by supporting trade, investment, and commercial activity.

Located in eastern Syria, Deir ez-Zor serves as a strategic gateway connecting the region with the rest of the country. The airport's reopening is expected to ease travel for residents, businesspeople, humanitarian workers, and members of the Syrian diaspora while improving access to one of Syria's most important provinces.

Officials said restoring air services would also encourage investment opportunities, enhance mobility, and support reconstruction and development efforts in the governorate.

The reopening of Deir ez-Zor International Airport forms part of Syria's broader efforts to restore critical infrastructure, including airports, highways, and public transportation facilities, as authorities seek to normalize economic activity and strengthen national connectivity.

With domestic flights now operating between Damascus and Deir ez-Zor and international services resuming with Kuwait, aviation officials indicated that additional destinations could be introduced in the future as passenger demand increases and the country's civil aviation sector continues its recovery. (ILKHA)