Transport Minister Uraloğlu: “We connected Syria with entire world via Damascus-Istanbul flights”

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made assessments regarding Turkey’s future steps with Syria in the new period. Uraloğlu stated that Turkey was in contact with Syria in the fields of road, rail, air, maritime, and communications, emphasizing, “Looking at the roads, although they are not up to the desired standards, there is an existing functioning system.

These activities will be carried out within an action plan, but improving the road infrastructure will be our top priority.”

In Ankara, Uraloğlu met with members of the press during an iftar event and responded to their questions, making significant remarks. He discussed Turkey’s future steps regarding Syria, stating that Turkey is engaging with Syria in five sectors: roads, railways, air transport, maritime, and communication.

On road infrastructure, Uraloğlu mentioned that although the current road system was operational, it was not at the desired standard. He noted that improvements to these roads were necessary and would be undertaken as part of an action plan, but road upgrades would take priority.

Regarding railways, Uraloğlu highlighted that about 50 kilometers of the railway line on the Syrian side had been completely destroyed. He said that they were working on a programming plan to restore it, with the goal of eventually connecting the railway line to Damascus.

Sham Airport is Preparing for International Flights Uraloğlu emphasized that Syria’s Damascus International Airport had been rehabilitated with Turkey’s technical support. “We have set up some systems, and some radars still need to be installed. We want them to be local and national as well. ASELSAN is handling the production, and our team is on-site,” he explained.

Uraloğlu also pointed out that Turkish Airlines had connected Syria to the entire world with its Damascus-Istanbul flights, which initially started at three weekly flights but now operate five times a week. He mentioned that other airlines were also interested in launching flights to Damascus from Sabiha Gökçen and Esenboğa airports. “Pegasus from Sabiha Gökçen and Ajet from Esenboğa have requests for flights to Damascus. We find it appropriate and are negotiating with the other side. Last week, the Civil Aviation Authority was in Turkey, and most likely, flights will begin soon,” he added.