Syria's Deir Ezzor airport reopens after 14 years

On Wednesday, Syria reopened Deir Ezzor International Airport, a milestone in restoring civilian air links to the country's eastern region after a 14-year hiatus. The airport, which had been closed to civilian traffic since 2012, underwent a months-long rehabilitation process before its inauguration. Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani led the ceremony, emphasizing that the recovery of Syria's east is crucial to the nation's overall recovery.

Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara also attended the opening virtually, highlighting the airport's transformation from a military base to a vital link between communities within Syria and the world at large.

The airport's reopening signifies a significant step in repairing the region's infrastructure and connectivity, which have been severely impacted by 14 years of conflict. Deir Ezzor airport served as a military base during the war, used by the Syrian Army to launch attacks on eastern cities. It witnessed heavy fighting between rebel fighters and government forces in 2012, leading to a three-year siege by ISIS, which controlled much of the province.

However, Syrian government forces, with the support of Russian air strikes, reclaimed control of the city in September 2017, followed by the ISIS ousting in November 2017.

Jazeera Airways, a Kuwaiti company, is set to commence regular flights between Kuwait and Deir Ezzor on Saturday, while another airline is expected to begin operations soon. The reopening follows other recent developments, including the resumption of flights in Damascus on December 18, 2024, and in Aleppo on March 18, 2025. The reopening of Deir Ezzor airport is anticipated to enhance connectivity between eastern Syria and the rest of the country, as authorities strive to rebuild the infrastructure damaged during the prolonged conflict.