Qatari-Led Team Signs $4 Billion Damascus Airport Consultancy and Redevelopment Agreements
- Michael Ghobrial
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 8
A Qatari-led international consortium, headed by UCC Holding (Qatar), has signed agreements worth $4 billion to deliver consultancy, design, and redevelopment for Damascus International Airport. The deal, one of Syria’s largest foreign investments in decades, will be implemented as a long-term build-operate-transfer (BOT) project, aiming to create a world-class regional aviation hub handling up to 31 million passengers a year. Partners include major Turkish contractors, a U.S.-based investor, and the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
Strategic Significance of the Airport Redevelopment
The redevelopment of Damascus International Airport is not just a local project; it carries substantial strategic importance for regional trade and connectivity. The airport, which is set to significantly enhance its capacity to accommodate up to 31 million passengers annually, acts as a crucial hub for air travel within the Middle East. Increased passenger capacity will facilitate enhanced trade links between Syria and its neighbours, thus supporting economic recovery in a post-conflict environment.
The redevelopment is more than just a series of construction projects; it is a vital part of a broader $14 billion investment initiative aimed at rejuvenating Syria's overall infrastructure and economy. As a critical gateway for tourism and commerce, a revitalised Damascus International Airport could be a driving force behind the economic rebound by attracting foreign investment and stimulating job creation in various sectors.
Components of the UCC-led Consortium
The UCC-led consortium combines expertise from both Turkish and US partners, creating a robust coalition capable of tackling the challenges of such an extensive redevelopment project. This diverse partnership plays a pivotal role in bringing different perspectives and capabilities that enhance project execution. Turkish firms are known for their experience in rapid infrastructure development, while US companies often contribute advanced technologies and management practices.
The collaboration also emphasizes the importance of international partnerships in overcoming the challenges associated with working in a post-conflict nation. The knowledge transfer and expertise shared between these companies can lead to innovative solutions that are essential in navigating complex logistical and operational scenarios in Syria.
The Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) Model
At the core of the redevelopment initiative is the Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) model, which supports sustainable infrastructure development. Under this system, the consortium will undertake the construction of new facilities, operate them for a set period, and then transfer ownership back to the Syrian government. This model not only ensures that the airport will benefit from professional management during the operational phase but also promotes accountability and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
The BOT model is particularly advantageous for large-scale projects, as it allows for private investment while ensuring that public interests are secured. For instance, the introduction of a new 50 km access road to the airport will ease transportation logistics, further enhancing the project's impact on regional connectivity. The complementary improvements in infrastructure will help facilitate the smooth operation of flight services.
Project Overview
Project: Damascus International Airport redevelopment, five-phase BOT scheme
Value: $4 billion (part of a $14 billion foreign investment package for Syria’s economic revival)
Scope: Expansion, new terminal, up to 32 new gates, 50km access road, new navigation and airside systems, commercial/duty-free overhaul
Airside: Upgraded air navigation, advanced passenger boarding, 10 new Airbus A320s for Syrian Airlines
Timeline: Five project phases, starting with boosting capacity to 6 million passengers, then 16 million, targeting 31 million on completion
Future Prospects of Infrastructure Investment in Syria
Given the substantial investment being infused into the Syrian economy through projects like the airport redevelopment, there is an optimistic forecast for future infrastructure investments. The Damascene project is seen as a catalyst, inspiring additional investments directed toward various sectors, including transportation, energy, and telecommunications.
Such efforts will lay the foundation for comprehensive growth, enabling Syria to reclaim its status as a key player in regional economics. Infrastructure investment that prioritises sustainability and resilience can steer the nation toward a more stable and prosperous future. Building partnerships with established global firms creates an environment ripe for collaboration, ensuring that best practices are implemented across multiple sectors.
Delivery Partners & Key Stakeholders
Lead developer: UCC Holding (Qatar), via UCC Concessions Investment
Consortium partners: Kalyon İnşaat (Turkey), Cengiz Holding (Turkey), TAV Airports (Turkey), Assets Investments USA (U.S.)
Client: Syrian Civil Aviation Authority (GACA)
Endorsement: Syrian Government (President Ahmad Al-Sharaa), US/Syrian diplomatic representation, ICAO technical participants
Funding: Private international equity, supported by BOT concession terms
Construction and Consultancy Details
Five-phase BOT approach: design, finance, build, operate, transfer
Includes full terminal remodel, runways, navigation infrastructure, airside and landside upgrades
50km access road redevelopment, logistics/transport hub, fleet renewal for Syrian Airlines
Modern retail, F&B, and duty-free spaces in the new terminal
Timeline
Signing: August/October 2025
Phase One: Immediate capacity relief and terminal refurb for 6 million passengers
Most project work delivered 2026–2029
Full regional hub capacity (31 million): Target by 2033
Strategic Importance
The agreements mark a new era for Syrian infrastructure and a turning point for its post-conflict recovery, unlocking global trade, investment, tourism, and transport flows. This airport redevelopment will be a flagship for Middle East reconstruction and a magnet for foreign partners seeking access to Syria’s reopening market.
Construction and Consultancy Opportunities
Terminal and runway design (international standards)
Air navigation, security, IT, and baggage handling systems
Mega-corridor road and utility infrastructure
Fleet procurement strategy and financing
Project management, environmental/social compliance, and stakeholder engagement
Writer’s Opinion
The Damascus Airport deal is a blueprint for how thoughtful foreign investment and professional partnerships can lay the foundations for national recovery. UCC and its partners bring global skills, and if the phased roll-out hits its mark, this could set a positive precedent for other post-conflict infrastructure. Contractors and consultants able to navigate complex conditions and deliver to international norms have a rare opportunity to help rebuild not just assets, but trust and future growth in the region.
