Türkiye has unveiled an action plan to help repair and rebuild Syria's transportation infrastructure, including airports, roads, bridges, and railways, as the war-torn country embarks on a new beginning.
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara on Tuesday, Turkish Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu highlighted the dire state of Syria’s transportation facilities, including its five airports. Only two of these airports—Damascus and Aleppo—are currently operational, and both require substantial upgrades.
Damascus Airport handled around 100,000 trips last year, while Aleppo managed between 50,000 and 60,000, the minister said. A Turkish inspection team found that neither airport has a radar system, leaving operations dependent on makeshift solutions like mobile phone applications.
“There is an air radar application that we use on our mobile phones. Imagine, they were trying to manage operations using that app,” Uraloglu explained.
He also noted the use of outdated 1990s computers and the lack of modern X-ray devices, detectors, and other essential airport equipment. Furthermore, the runways are aging significantly, and initial flights to Damascus and Aleppo have been conducted without adequate systems, relying solely on pilots' visual navigation.
In response, Türkiye has devised an action plan, with the initial phase focusing on reviving Damascus Airport.
Railways and Roads in Need of Restoration
Uraloglu underscored the need to restore railways connecting Türkiye to the Hijaz region, including tracks that extend to Damascus. Although some infrastructure remains intact, parts of the railways have been stolen in regions like Iraq, and similar challenges may exist in Syria.
He emphasized the importance of Syria's highways, particularly the M4 and M5 routes, which have played significant roles in the country’s politics. Türkiye has already repaired many destroyed bridges and highways in the region.
Communication and Economic Challenges
Syria is lagging 20-30 years behind Türkiye in communication infrastructure, with cell phones unavailable in many areas. Uraloglu pledged Türkiye’s support in addressing these gaps, stating, “We will make the necessary determinations and work to implement the required solutions.”
He also mentioned Syria’s reliance on Russia to print its currency, drawing parallels with certain African countries. Türkiye is prepared to support Syria in this aspect, he said.
Syria’s Strategic Ports and Maritime Agreements
Uraloglu acknowledged Syria’s strategic position as a gateway to the Mediterranean but noted the underdevelopment of its ports. Türkiye intends to invest in these facilities and potentially sign a Maritime Jurisdiction Agreement with Syria to safeguard mutual interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“This agreement could enhance the effectiveness and competence of both countries,” the minister said, adding that cooperation in oil and hydrocarbon exploration would also be on the agenda.
Rebuilding Trade and Governance
The minister emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to reviving Syria’s historical trade routes and commercial activities. However, he stressed the need for stable governance in Syria, noting that basic functions like paying civil servants’ salaries must first be addressed.
Plans for armed groups to lay down their weapons remain a future priority, Uraloglu said, though not an immediate agenda item.
“Everything is needed there,” he concluded, reaffirming Türkiye’s dedication to supporting Syria’s recovery.