Syria to Convert Palmyra Airbase to Civilian Airport Amid Turkish Interest
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Syrian authorities intend to convert the Palmyra military airfield into a civilian airport to promote tourism, a site previously eyed by Turkey for military use. This move follows Israeli airstrikes on Syrian bases of interest to Turkey and could affect regional military influence. The conversion is expected to take 6-12 months, with the main goal of facilitating tourist access to Palmyra's ancient sites. While not directly linked to Israeli strikes, the decision comes amid ongoing tensions and Israeli concerns over Turkish military expansion in Syria.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Syria plans to convert Palmyra military airfield into a civilian airport for tourism.
- The airfield was previously considered by Turkish military forces for potential deployment.
- Israel has conducted strikes on Syrian airbases of interest to Turkey.
- The conversion aims to improve tourist access to the ancient city of Palmyra.
- The project is estimated to be operational within 6 to 12 months.
Syrian authorities plan to transform the Palmyra military airfield into a civilian airport aimed at boosting tourism, according to the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority. This development is significant as the airfield was previously considered by Turkish military forces for potential deployment. Israel has previously conducted strikes on Syrian airbases of interest to Turkey, and Damascus's new plans could impact the rivalry between the two nations for military influence in Syria.
Omar al-Husseiri, head of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, visited the Palmyra airfield with the ministers of culture and tourism and the governor of Homs province. The delegation assessed the technical feasibility of converting the site, with plans to update a 2004 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) technical study. Al-Husseiri estimates the airport could be operational within 6 to 12 months, though international certification will take longer. The primary goal is to improve tourist access to the ancient city of Palmyra and its archaeological sites.
This decision holds particular importance for Israel, which had concerns about Turkey potentially establishing air defense systems, drones, and radar facilities in central Syria. In 2025, Turkish military specialists reportedly surveyed Palmyra, T4, and Hama airbases for possible troop placement. Following Israeli airstrikes, Ankara canceled a planned follow-up inspection of Palmyra and T4. The T4 base sustained significant damage to its runways and infrastructure.
While Directus.gr notes that a direct link between the Israeli strikes and the decision to repurpose Palmyra has not been established, the confrontation over Syrian airfields continued into 2026. In August 2026, Israel struck the Abu Duhur airbase following reports of potential Turkish military presence there. Both Ankara and Damascus denied these claims, stating their cooperation involved training and experience exchange.
The new plans for a civilian airport in Palmyra represent a different use for the strategic site, but do not necessarily signify Turkey's final abandonment of efforts to expand its military presence in Syria.
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