Search and Rescue (SAR)

البحث والإنقاذ

GEN 3.5 — Search and Rescue (SAR)

Responsible Authority

Search and Rescue services within the Damascus FIR are coordinated by the Syrian Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Damascus), operated under the authority of GACA in accordance with ICAO Annex 12 — Search and Rescue.

SAR Contact

Detail Information
RCC Name Damascus RCC
Location Damascus International Airport (OSDI)
AFTN Address OSDIZQZX
Operating Hours H24
Emergency Frequency 121.500 MHz

SAR Procedures

SAR operations follow the three-phase alert system in accordance with ICAO Annex 12:

  • INCERFA (Uncertainty Phase): Activated when doubt exists about the safety of an aircraft or its occupants
  • ALERFA (Alert Phase): Activated when there is apprehension regarding the safety of an aircraft
  • DETRESFA (Distress Phase): Activated when there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft is in distress

Pilots experiencing distress should transmit on 121.500 MHz and set transponder Code 7700. All aircraft within the Damascus FIR are encouraged to maintain a listening watch on 121.500 MHz.

Amendment History View All Amendments

AMDT 01/2026 AIRAC 2603 Content updated
27 Mar 2026