The General Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority announced last Friday the launch of the first direct and regular flights between the city of Cologne, Germany, and Deir Ezzor International Airport, beginning in early September, as a step to connect the province and the eastern region of Syria with Europe.
This step comes after the approval of a package of health and developmental projects in the eastern region, as part of governmental efforts to improve the service level in an area that has suffered decades of neglect.
European Flights to Deir Ezzor
In this context, Omar Al-Hasri, head of the Authority, stated - according to the Syrian News Agency (SANA) - that LEAV Aviation, a German company, "will start operating its first flight from September 1, with one flight weekly," adding that this step "comes as part of the General Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority’s plan to connect Deir Ezzor with the world, enhance its presence on the international air transport map, and open more destinations for our people in the eastern region."
He explained that for the first time in the commercial operation history of the airport, Deir Ezzor International Airport will receive a regular European carrier flight, "a step that reflects the development of air transport activity in Syria and the growing air connectivity with Europe."
President Al-Shara stated - in a speech via video communication during the airport's inauguration on August 5 - that the airport has become a link between the interior and the outside world, announcing a comprehensive developmental plan for the eastern region, which includes rehabilitation of infrastructure, healthcare sector, roads, bridges, and the establishment of an industrial city, contributing to job creation and enhancing development.
Deir Ezzor Industrial City
The industrial city in Deir Ezzor covers about 2,200 hectares, with potential expansion to 2,500 hectares, according to Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Basil Abdul Hanan, after meetings last week with the governor of Deir Ezzor, which included discussions on the rehabilitation of the city's infrastructure.
Abdul Hanan, in a statement, predicted that "about 700 establishments will operate in the industrial city, which will provide around 50,000 job opportunities for the locals," noting that there are currently "60 applications to work in the city."
The Syrian Ministry of Health previously inaugurated, on August 10, several specialized medical departments and projects in Deir Ezzor province, notably laying the foundation stone for the Cancer Hospital, a center for manufacturing prosthetic limbs, and a cardiac catheterization department.
President Al-Shara also announced a Deir Ezzor-Damascus road project costing between 275 and 300 million dollars, following tragic traffic accidents, the latest of which occurred on July 25, resulting in 35 deaths and 30 injuries, according to the Syrian Ministry of Health.
