Syria’s Plans to Convert Mezzeh Military Airport Into Private Jet Hub Spark Mass Grave, Land Rights Concerns

Syria’s Plans to Convert Mezzeh Military Airport Into Private Jet Hub Spark Mass Grave, Land Rights Concerns
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Plans by Syrian authorities to transform Damascus’ former Mezzeh military airport into a private aviation hub have triggered concerns from rights groups and local residents over possible mass graves and unresolved property disputes linked to the Assad era.

The Syrian civil aviation authority announced plans to repurpose Mezzeh airport for limited civilian use, including private and executive flights. However, human rights organizations warn that construction and renovation work could disturb suspected burial sites containing the remains of detainees killed during the previous government’s rule.

The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) said documents and investigations indicate that Mezzeh airport was used as a detention and execution site by Air Force Intelligence under Bashar al-Assad and his father Hafez al-Assad. The group has identified suspected grave locations inside the airport grounds and urged authorities to investigate and protect the sites before any construction begins.

According to SJAC research, more than 1,000 detainees may have died at facilities linked to Mezzeh due to executions, torture, and mistreatment.

Rights advocates criticized the redevelopment plans, saying authorities must first address the fate of missing Syrians and preserve evidence related to alleged abuses. The Syrian government has not publicly responded to questions about the suspected graves.