[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [BUSINESS]

2 clusters · 6 sources · 12 days · First seen · Last updated

Mezzeh military airport civilian transition

Overview

The Syrian government has initiated a project to reclassify the Mezzeh (also referred to as Al-Mazza) military airport in Damascus for limited civilian use, specifically targeting private and executive aviation to complement Damascus International Airport.

Initial rehabilitation efforts, including debris removal and infrastructure upgrades, are being managed by the Civil Aviation and Air Transport General Authority. The project has raised significant human rights concerns regarding the potential disturbance of mass graves. Documents from the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) indicate the site was used for executions and detention in 2012.

In response to these concerns, authorities stated they are coordinating with the National Authority for Missing Persons. Specialized teams have been tasked with identifying areas containing suspected human remains to ensure remains are handled according to established procedures.

Entities

Damascus International Airport · Al-Mazza Airport · Syria Justice and Accountability Centre · SANA · Civil Aviation and Air Transport General Authority

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Al-Mazza Airport begins transition from military to civilian use

    Rehabilitation has begun at Damascus’s Al-Mazza Airport to convert the military site into a civilian airport for private and executive aviation, while coordinating with authorities to protect potential mass gra

  2. 17 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Mezzeh military airport redevelopment sparks human rights concerns

    Syrian plans to convert Mezzeh military airport into a private jet hub face outcry over potential mass graves and land rights violations at the former execution site.

Sources

al-monitor.com · arynews.tv · independent.co.uk · newarab.com · sana.sy · sookeh.com