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The General Authority of Civil Aviation in the Syrian Arab Republic signed the final concession contracts related to investment in the development, expansion, construction, and operation of Damascus International Airport with an international consortium led by UCC Holding through its subsidiary Urbacon Concessions Investment, with the participation of Cengiz İnşaat of Turkey, Kalyon İnşaat of Turkey, and Assets Investments of the United States. The project represents the largest investment in Syria’s history, valued at USD 4 billion, reflecting strong international confidence in the future of Syria’s aviation sector.Implementation works have also begun on the ground, as the consortium companies commenced the development works of Terminal 2 at the airport, in addition to the rehabilitation of the old hotel building inside the airport premises, and the start of improving the main road leading to the airport, reflecting the consortium’s commitment to implementing the project according to an accelerated timetable consistent with the requirements of rehabilitating the airport and raising its operational readiness.The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Omar Al- Hosari, President of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority; the head of the consortium, Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, President of UCC Holding; Mr. Murat Ergönül representing Cengiz İnşaat of Turkey; Mr. Mehmet Tufan Körez representing Kalyon İnşaat of Turkey; Mr. Mehmet Arif Ozozan representing Urbacon Concessions Investment; Mr. Mazen Alsbeti representing Assets Investments of the United States; along with representatives of Hesco Engineering Services, Dar Al-Handasah, DG Jones, officials of the Civil Aviation Authority, and the consortium’s directors, in a meeting that reflected the strategic importance of the project and its role in rebuilding Syria’s air gateway.Mr. Omar Al-Hosari said that signing the contracts to develop Damascus Airport constitutes a strategic step toward rebuilding Syria’s air gateway, strengthening the national economy, and opening new investment and employment opportunities, with the participation of major international companies from Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, which reflects global confidence in Syria’s ability to recover and in the presence of a clear, legal, and attractive investment environment.Mr. Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding, also confirmed that the consortium is determined to implement a project that reshapes the future of Damascus International Airport and raises it to the level of advanced regional airports, noting that this investment will lead to a wide economic transformation in the region and achieve real value extending from developing infrastructure to creating sustainable job opportunities and enhancing the path of recovery and growth in Syria.Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, President of UCC Holding, stated that the Damascus International Airport development project represents a pivotal milestone in rebuilding Syria’s air transport system and strengthening the country’s ability to reclaim its natural role in regional air connectivity. He affirmed that the consortium is advancing according to a precise work plan and operational methodologies aligned with the highest global aviation standards and the latest technological systems, ensuring enhanced efficiency and sustainable operational performance for the airport.Mr. Al-Khayyat added that the project’s strategic vision aims to increase the airport’s capacity to 31 million passengers annually, and to establish Damascus International Airport as a major regional hub offering an exceptional and integrated travel experience. The new airport will feature modern facilities, including a five-star hotel, a free zone, and a wide range of passenger services.Engineer Rifai Hamadeh, CEO of Hesco Engineering Services, confirmed that the new airport’s architectural design is part of a development vision created in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, with the aim of establishing a modern urban identity that reflects the spirit and heritage of Damascus. He explained that the design is based on fluid forms, spacious layouts, and natural light, while integrating smart infrastructure and advanced aviation technologies to ensure high operational efficiency.The project proceeds according to a gradual development plan aimed at increasing the capacity of Damascus International Airport to become a modern and integrated regional hub. The plan begins with the operation of the new passenger terminal, Terminal 2, before the upcoming Hajj season, after completing all operational and logistical preparations, as well as security, navigation, handling, and aircraft fueling systems.In parallel, Terminal 1 will be redesigned and developed, and its interior and service facilities updated, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2026, which will raise the airport’s capacity to 6 million passengers annually.In the next phase, the project moves to a larger expansion through developing airside and logistical facilities, aircraft stands, cargo centers, and commercial and service infrastructure, simultaneously with the construction of the new Terminal 3, which will be built according to the highest international standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The terminal will include advanced operational capabilities, including up to 32 gates equipped with modern boarding bridges, in addition to a world-class duty-free zone containing restaurants, cafés, and international brands.According to the development schedule, the airport’s capacity will increase to 16 million passengers annually upon completion of the first phase of Terminal 3. The final capacity, upon completion of Terminal 3 and all construction and logistical works, will reach 31 million passengers annually, making it one of the most advanced airports in the region in terms of technology, service quality, and operational efficiency. The airport is being developed based on a world-class architectural design prepared by Zaha Hadid Architects, giving the project a distinctive identity that reflects a forward-looking vision for regional airports. The project also includes a USD 250 million financing program for the purchase of new aircraft in support of Syria’s aviation sector, in addition to adopting the latest operational technologies such as electronic gates (E-Gates), which will accelerate passenger processing and enhance the overall efficiency of airport operations.The project is expected to provide more than ninety thousand direct and indirect job opportunities across the different stages of construction and operation, including engineering, air operations, ground services, logistics, trade, and hospitality, making it one of the most impactful projects in the Syrian aviation labor market in recent decades. The project, led by UCC Holding, reflects a new phase in managing infrastructure projects in Syria through long-term partnerships that combine international expertise with global standards, restoring Damascus International Airport’s vital position and paving the way for the return of its role in regional and international air transport.

Sponsored and attended by Minister of Transport His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization has held a reception for the delegations of ICAO’s Member States, on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly.The ICAO Council President H.E. Salvatore Sciacchitano, ICAO Secretary General H.E. Juan Carlos Salazar, several ministers, heads and representatives of Member States’ delegations, and several accredited ambassadors in Canada, were also in attendance.In his remarks, H.E. the Minister welcomed the attendees, and thanked the ICAO for its efforts for developing air navigation and transportation, stressing Qatar's firm commitment to supporting the ICAO’s mission and objectives to ensure aviation’s safety and security, and promote the sustainable growth of this vital industry globally.Wrapping up the event, Mr. Mohamed Faleh Al-Hajri, in charge of managing the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, appreciated ICAO’s Council President and Secretary General.

His Excellency Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani met separately with the Minister of Civil Aviation of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Sameh Ahmed El Hafny and Deputy Minister of Transport of Canada Arun Thangaraj, on the sidelines of Qatar's participation in the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The meetings discussed aspects of cooperation between Qatar and each of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Canada in areas of civil aviation and ways to enhance and develop them, particularly air transportation related activities.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), aimed at enhancing co-operation in civil aviation.**media[361685]**The MoU was signed by QCAA Acting President Mohammed bin Faleh al-Hajri and CASSOS chairperson Nari Williams-Singh. The signing took place on the sidelines of the CARICOM Forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Regional Co-operation in Aviation Safety and Security for a Sustainable Future for All," in conjunction with the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), currently taking place in Montreal, Canada.**media[361686]**The agreement aims to bolster co-operation in various areas, including aviation safety, security, air navigation, and environmental sustainability. It also focuses on capacity building and professional development in the civil aviation sector, contributing to sectoral growth and integration of aviation systems both regionally and globally.**media[361687]**On the sidelines of the assembly, al-Hajri also held bilateral meetings with key international aviation leaders, including Deputy Administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau; Director General of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, Alexander D'Orsogna; and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, Pengiran Dato Shamhary Mustapha.The meetings discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation, support joint initiatives within ICAO, and exchange views on key issues on the agenda of the 42nd ICAO Assembly.

Safety, sustainability and efficiency will be top on IATA’s priority list as the International Air Transport Association gets ready for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal from September 23 to October 3.ICAO has already accepted some 14 working papers authored by IATA covering a wide range of topics for the Assembly’s consideration.IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh noted, “IATA will be participating in the ICAO Assembly with safety, sustainability and efficiency at the top of our priority list. It is critical that we secure stronger support for SAF production and CORSIA as key enablers of aviation’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.“Equally, we need agreement to follow the principles and provisions of the Chicago Convention to avoid patchworks of debilitating tax measures and passenger rights regulations. And we must shore-up safety with timely accident reports, mitigations for GNSS interference and preservation of critical radio-frequency spectrum.”Global standards, many of which are developed by governments through ICAO, are crucial for safe, efficient and increasingly sustainable aviation operations worldwide.These standards are developed with the expertise and input of airline operators’ worldwide working with ICAO member states. The ICAO Assembly is a once-every-three-year opportunity for states to align on ICAO’s work programme as it addresses aviation’s most pressing issues.“The criticality of global standards to global aviation cannot be underestimated. I am optimistic for the outcomes of this Assembly. Everybody wants flying to be safe, efficient and more sustainable. So, we have a common agenda with governments. Indeed, many of our submissions to the Assembly are simply asking governments to more effectively implement what they have already agreed. The coming weeks in Montreal are essential to set the agenda, but even more important is the following three years of work to achieve what is agreed,” Walsh added.

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) is participating in the 9th Aviation Africa Summit, organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), currently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. QCAA Acting President Mohamed Faleh al-Hajri is heading Qatar's delegation to the event, which began Thursday and will continue over two days. The summit addresses several key themes, including the future of the aviation industry in Africa, prospects for sector growth, sustainability, safety, risk assessment, and the challenges facing aviation. It also covers airport development and emerging technologies in the field. In his opening remarks during the 'Regional Cooperation' session, al-Hajri emphasized that the future of aviation in Africa hinges on enhanced co-operation between governments, regulatory bodies, and regional and international organizations. He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment as a strategic partner of AFCACto supporting such co-operation and working with African nations to build capacity and unlock the full potential of the continent’s aviation sector. Al-Hajri also highlighted Qatar's role in supporting Africa’s aviation agenda on the international stage, particularly through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He noted that the Qatar Airways network of passenger and cargo services plays a vital role in connecting Africa with the rest of the world, significantly contributing to air connectivity, as well as the promotion of trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. He concluded by stressing that Qatar's partnership with AFCAC and civil aviation authorities across African countries reflects not only its commitment to cooperation with the continent, but also its prominent role in shaping the future of global aviation.

Singapore has pledged to strengthen aviation safety practices around in-flight turbulence after two accidents last year that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.Severe turbulence will now be classified as a state-level operational safety risk, alongside runway incursions, mid-air collisions and system failures, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said in its Singapore National Aviation Safety Plan for 2025-2027, released on Wednesday.The report identified 45 actions to bolster safety around operational and emerging risk areas. Of the accidents logged by Singapore in 2024, turbulence ranked as the highest. In an earlier safety plan for 2022-2024, turbulence was mentioned mainly in the context of training and operational awareness, not classified as a priority risk area in its own right.In May last year, one person died and scores of passengers suffered serious injuries when a Singapore Airlines Ltd flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar. In September, one passenger and one cabin crew were injured on a Guangzhou-bound flight that ran into turbulence over Hong Kong. Investors continue to probe the cause of the May accident.In the immediate aftermath of that first incident, airlines worked to implement a variety of measures including drilling flight crews on turbulence-related scenarios and enhancing forecasting and detection systems.Midair instability is becoming a more common hazard for carriers and passengers as rising global air traffic density means more planes flying in crowded skies, often through the same storm systems. Climate change is another factor: warming temperatures at cruising altitudes are strengthening jet streams and creating conditions linked to more frequent episodes of so-called “clear-air turbulence.”Some of the recommendations made by CAAS in its latest safety plan were around enhancing the accuracy of meteorological information, improving advance turbulence forecasting and on-board detection systems, sharing real-time turbulence data globally and adopting wider use of modern weather radar and turbulence awareness applications for pilots.“The recent spate of serious aviation safety incidents around the world is a timely reminder that we must stay vigilant and not take safety for granted,” Han Kok Juan, CAAS director-general, said. “The National Aviation Safety Plan is a call to action for the Singapore aviation sector to work together to ensure aviation safety as we position ourselves for growth.”