Syrian Government Assumes Control of Qamishli International Airport
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Syria's government has taken control of Qamishli airport from SDF forces, a key step in restoring state authority and national aviation infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- •Transfers control of Qamishli International Airport to the Syrian central government.
- •Forms part of a wider agreement to integrate SDF-controlled military and administrative structures.
- •Initiates restoration work at Deir ez-Zor airport for a future reopening.
- •Aims to bring airport operations in line with international safety and efficiency standards.
Qamishli International Airport has been transferred to the control of the Syrian government, a significant development in the country's post-conflict consolidation of critical infrastructure. The handover, which took place on or around February 21, 2026, places the facility under the authority of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The move is part of a comprehensive agreement reached in late January between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aiming to reintegrate military and administrative structures in northeastern Syria. For the aviation sector, this transfer paves the way for the potential reopening of the airport and its reintegration into the national air transport network under unified state control, a prerequisite for meeting international standards.
Details of the Agreement
The transfer of control was a key component of a broad accord signed after talks in Damascus between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. The document stipulates that Kurdish self-government institutions will be incorporated into Syrian government structures and that military units will join the government army. Beyond the airport, the agreement also mandates that oil fields in Rumeilan and al-Sweida, along with all border crossings in the region, come under central government control.
Omar al-Hosari, head of Syria's GACA, confirmed the development. In a public statement, al-Hosari described the move as an "important institutional step in the process of consolidating airport management under the auspices of the state and ensuring that they operate in accordance with the highest international standards of safety and efficiency."
Parallel Restoration Efforts
In addition to the administrative changes at Qamishli, the Syrian government is actively working to restore other key aviation assets. According to al-Hosari, work to rehabilitate the airport in Deir ez-Zor is continuing at an "accelerated pace." The stated goal of the Syrian authorities is to open both the Qamishli and Deir ez-Zor airports for operations "as soon as possible," though a definitive timeline for the resumption of commercial flights has not yet been announced.
Qamishli International Airport is located in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah governorate, a region that has been largely outside of central government control for years. The restoration of federal oversight is a critical component of a wider trend toward reintegrating Syrian state control over national infrastructure.
Path to Reopening
The immediate next steps involve a thorough assessment of the existing infrastructure at Qamishli to determine the necessary upgrades and repairs required to handle commercial air traffic safely. GACA is expected to conduct comprehensive safety, security, and operational audits to ensure the facility complies with national regulations and the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Syria has previously signed agreements with the ICAO aimed at modernizing its aviation infrastructure to facilitate its return to the global air transport network.
The successful reopening of Qamishli and Deir ez-Zor will depend on several factors, including the availability of funding for reconstruction, the continued stability of the security situation, and the smooth implementation of the broader political agreement between the government and the SDF.
Why This Matters
This development is more than an administrative handover; it signals a significant shift in Syria's internal political landscape with direct implications for its aviation sector. Re-establishing state control over key airports is a critical step toward normalizing air travel, boosting economic activity, and reconnecting previously isolated regions. For the international aviation community, it represents a potential, albeit complex, step toward the eventual restoration of air routes to and over Syria, pending verification of safety and security standards.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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