The Qamishli Airport takeover marks a significant step in implementing the agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to restore centralized control in the northeast.
The move follows weeks of coordination and field visits aimed at returning key infrastructure and administrative bodies to state management.
Civil Aviation Authority Assumes Control of Qamishli Airport
Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that it assumed direct control of Qamishli Airport, according to state news agency SANA.
A delegation from the authority conducted an inspection visit to review the airport’s operational and technical conditions and discuss procedures for restoring services in line with international aviation standards.
Official Statements Highlight Strategic Importance
Omar Al-Hasri, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, stated on X that the Qamishli Airport takeover is an institutional step within the process of unifying airport management under the state.
He added that rehabilitation work is progressing in parallel at Deir Ezzor Airport to restore operational readiness in both facilities for the benefit of residents in eastern Syria.
Background of the Agreement Between Damascus and the SDF
On 30 January, Damascus and the SDF announced a broad agreement that includes integrating SDF fighters into four military brigades and transferring oil fields, border crossings, and airports to central government authority.
Despite the agreement, technical differences remain regarding implementation mechanisms, with further meetings expected in the coming weeks.
Political and Military Context
The agreement followed recent military operations in which the Syrian Army regained large areas in the northeast after reporting repeated violations by the SDF of earlier arrangements signed in 2025.
Qamishli Airport is the only airport serving the broader Hasakeh region. It continued operating for several years during the conflict but eventually stopped after the self-administration took control following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
Russian forces used the airport as a military base in 2019 before withdrawing in January 2026.
Impact on Local Communities
The airport has long been a lifeline for residents in the northeast, providing regular flights to Damascus. Restoring its operations is expected to support economic activity and reconnect the region with the rest of the country.
Next Steps in Airport Rehabilitation
Civil Aviation officials indicated ongoing work in several areas:
- Technical assessment and safety inspections.
- Developing an operational plan aligned with international aviation standards.
- Restoring infrastructure and preparing service facilities.
Coordinated meetings between the Ministries of Interior and Transport and the SDF are expected to continue to finalize the handover of all airport-related responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The formal takeover of Qamishli Airport represents a major milestone in the broader reintegration process in northeast Syria. Residents now await the reopening of the airport as efforts advance to restore civilian air traffic.
