Aleppo Airport improvements are targeted to begin in early 2027, following confirmation from Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Elaf Investment Fund, led by BinDawood Investment Company. The announcement marks an important milestone in the development of Aleppo International Airport, with the existing airport improvements and the proposed new airport progressing as part of a wider development programme.
The commitment was confirmed following four days of high-level workshops and meetings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, held from 7 to 10 September 2026. Representatives from Syria’s civil aviation authority, Elaf Investment Fund and BinDawood Investment Company discussed the project’s progress across technical, commercial, legal and financing workstreams.
According to the announcement, the project is moving from the structuring phase towards execution, with the different workstreams advancing in parallel towards an agreed timeline. While Aleppo Airport improvements are scheduled to commence in early 2027, the structuring and financial close of the proposed new airport remain part of the broader development process.
Aleppo Airport Improvements Mark a New Project Milestone
The planned Aleppo Airport improvements represent a key milestone in the wider development of Aleppo International Airport. The project includes two connected components: improvements to the existing airport and the development of a new airport.
The commitment to begin improvement works at the existing facility in early 2027 establishes a target for the next stage of implementation. It also provides a reference point for the participating organisations as they continue advancing the requirements needed to move the project forward.
The announcement confirms that the project’s technical, commercial, legal and financing workstreams are progressing simultaneously. This approach is intended to maintain alignment across the different areas of preparation rather than treating each workstream as an entirely separate stage.
However, the early 2027 target specifically relates to the commencement of improvement works at the existing airport. The announcement does not confirm when those works will be completed or when the proposed new airport will become operational.
The distinction is important because the wider development involves multiple milestones. The existing airport improvements have a targeted start period, while the new airport remains linked to the completion of its structuring and financial close.
Further project updates will be needed to clarify the specific scope of the improvement works, the construction schedule and the subsequent stages of development.
High-Level Meetings in Jeddah Advance Airport Development
Progress on Aleppo Airport improvements was announced after a series of high-level workshops and meetings in Jeddah from 7 to 10 September 2026. The sessions brought together senior officials and representatives responsible for advancing the project’s different components.
The Syrian delegation was headed by H.E. Mr. Omar bin Hisham Al-Hosari, Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The delegation also included the Authority’s deputy chairmen and senior officials.
H.E. Minister Plenipotentiary Mohsen Mahbash, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, participated in the senior-level meetings on 9 and 10 September. His attendance highlighted the official standing and sponsorship of the project.
Representing Elaf Investment Fund and BinDawood Investment Company were Dr. Abdulrazzaq Dawood BinDawood, Chairman of the Boards of Elaf Investment Fund and BinDawood Investment Company; Mr. Walid BinDawood, Member of the Investment Committee; Mr. Ahmad Abdulrahman Mahayri, Board Member; and Mr. Abdullah bin Abdulrazzaq BinDawood, Member of the Project Negotiating Team.
The participation of senior representatives from both sides reflects the coordination required to advance a development involving several technical and commercial considerations.
The meetings concluded with confirmation of the commitment to commence improvement works at the existing airport in early 2027. The target provides a shared reference point as the organisations continue working towards the next phase.
Technical, Commercial, Legal and Financing Workstreams
The development of Aleppo International Airport involves several workstreams that must progress alongside one another. The announcement identifies technical, commercial, legal and financing activities as areas advancing in parallel.
These workstreams form part of the project’s broader preparation and implementation process. Technical activities relate to the project’s development requirements, while commercial, legal and financing workstreams support its overall structuring.
The announcement does not provide detailed information about the status of each individual workstream or specify which tasks remain outstanding. However, it confirms that the different areas are progressing towards the same target date.
For Aleppo Airport improvements, maintaining coordination between these activities will be important as the project moves closer to the planned commencement of works at the existing facility.
The parallel approach also applies to the wider development programme, which includes the proposed new airport. Its structuring and financial close are continuing alongside the preparations for the existing airport improvements.
The latest update therefore establishes a near-term milestone without suggesting that every component of the wider development has already reached completion.
Existing Airport Improvement Works Target Early 2027
The immediate priority outlined in the announcement is the commencement of improvement works at the existing Aleppo International Airport in early 2027.
This target represents the next major step identified for the current facility. While the wider project includes a new airport, the existing airport improvements have a separate commencement timeline.
The planned start is supported by progress across the project’s technical, commercial, legal and financing workstreams. The parties have confirmed their commitment to advancing these areas in parallel as they work towards the agreed schedule.
At present, the announcement does not specify which facilities or systems will be improved. It also does not disclose the expected duration of the works, the investment required for this phase or the potential impact on airport operations.
As a result, early 2027 should be understood as the target for beginning the improvement works rather than a deadline for completing them.
The distinction between commencement and completion is particularly relevant because Aleppo International Airport forms part of a larger development programme. The existing facility and the proposed new airport are both included, but their immediate milestones differ.
Further details on the improvement programme may be provided as the project advances towards implementation.
New Aleppo International Airport Remains Part of the Plan
Alongside Aleppo Airport improvements, the wider project includes the development of a new airport. The announcement confirms that the structuring and financial close of the new facility are progressing in parallel with the timeline for the existing airport works.
Financial close is an important milestone identified within the project’s development process. However, the announcement does not specify when it is expected to be achieved or provide a confirmed construction or operational opening date for the new airport.
The two components therefore remain connected within the wider programme while following different immediate timelines. Improvement works at the existing airport are targeted to begin in early 2027, while the new airport remains subject to progress on structuring and financial close.
The parties’ stated approach is to maintain progress across both elements rather than focusing solely on the existing facility.
As the project advances, coordination between the two components will remain part of the overall development process. Additional information will be required to establish the new airport’s investment value, technical specifications, construction schedule and planned operational capacity.
For now, the confirmed commitment concerns the commencement of improvement works at the existing airport in early 2027.
Elaf Investment Fund and BinDawood Investment Company’s Role
The project brings together Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Elaf Investment Fund, led by BinDawood Investment Company.
The involvement of the civil aviation authority and investment representatives highlights the institutional coordination supporting the development. The Jeddah meetings provided an opportunity for senior representatives to review progress and advance discussions across the project’s main workstreams.
The participation of the Syrian diplomatic representative also underscored the official standing and sponsorship associated with the initiative.
For Aleppo Airport improvements to move towards the targeted commencement period, the participating organisations will need to continue progressing the relevant requirements and maintaining alignment across the different workstreams.
The announcement confirms a shared commitment to the early 2027 target but does not disclose the complete contractual arrangements, detailed financing structure or final allocation of responsibilities among the organisations involved.
Nevertheless, the latest update establishes a clear objective for the next phase of the project.
What Happens Next for Aleppo Airport Improvements?
The immediate focus is on continuing project preparation and advancing the relevant workstreams towards the agreed timeline.
Aleppo Airport improvements are targeted to begin in early 2027, making the coming months important for progressing the requirements associated with the existing facility. The project’s technical, commercial, legal and financing activities will continue to advance in parallel.
At the same time, the parties will work towards completing the structuring and financial close of the proposed new airport. This remains a separate milestone within the wider development programme.
Future announcements may provide more information about the scope of the improvement works, investment requirements, implementation schedule and status of the new airport. These details have not yet been confirmed in the announcement.
The current commitment should therefore be viewed as a target for the start of improvement works rather than confirmation of a completion date for the overall airport development.
Aleppo Airport Improvements Signal Progress Towards Execution
Aleppo Airport improvements represent an important step in the wider development of Aleppo International Airport. Following high-level meetings in Jeddah from 7 to 10 September 2026, Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Elaf Investment Fund confirmed their commitment to commencing works at the existing airport in early 2027.
The project is advancing across technical, commercial, legal and financing workstreams, while the structuring and financial close of the proposed new airport continue alongside preparations for the existing facility.
Although details such as the total investment value, technical scope, construction duration and operational opening dates remain undisclosed, the announcement establishes a clear target for the next stage of development.
As the project moves from structuring towards execution, continued coordination between the participating organisations will be central to maintaining progress towards the agreed timeline.
The planned commencement of Aleppo Airport improvements in early 2027 is the next key milestone, while the proposed new airport remains an integral part of the wider development programme.
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
