Construction on the second terminal at Damascus International Airport is progressing rapidly as part of the first phase of a development agreement with Qatar’s UCC Holding to expand capacity and improve operations.  Alaa Sallal, director of government communication at the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, said on Tuesday that the initial phase of the project, including the removal of the former Hajj terminal and key infrastructure works, has been completed.  He said the second terminal is expected to open soon, alongside the preparation of parking areas, allowing for the transfer of operations from the first terminal. Work will then begin on the rehabilitation of the existing terminal.  Sallal added that preparations for a third terminal will follow, which is set to form part of a new Damascus International Airport under the agreement. The airport’s capacity is expected to reach about 31 million passengers annually after the completion of all three terminals.  Hossam al-Rifai, a site manager with UCC, the executing company, said asphalt works are due to begin soon, along with the construction of additional facilities. He added that the parking area covers more than 20,000 square meters.  The Authority signed the final contracts on November 24 for the investment, development, expansion and operation of Damascus International Airport with an international consortium led by UCC Holding. The consortium includes Türkiye’s Cengiz Construction and Kalyon, and U.S.-based Assets Investments, with a total value of $4 billion.   (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency