Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline Flynas and the Syrian General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) will launch a new carrier, Flynas Syria, as part of a multibillion-dollar investment announced on Saturday, Feb. 7.
A joint venture
Flynas Syria will be a joint venture, with 51% owned by the Syrian government and 49% by the Saudi Flynas, whose largest shareholder is the Kingdom Holding Company, controlled by the Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
Set to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, the new carrier will fly to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, according to Flynas.
Omar al-Hosari, head of GACA, described the agreement as a:
“Strategic step within a comprehensive national vision aimed at rebuilding and developing Syria’s civil aviation sector,” adding that the partnership reflected Syria’s commitment to “smart cooperation models with trusted regional partners.”
Flynas chairman Ayed Al Jeaid said it was “a historic moment in the company’s journey”, while the airline’s CEO Bander Almohanna highlighted Syria’s geographic location and tourism potential.
Flynas already operates routes between Saudi Arabia and Syria, connecting Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Damascus, but its new regional branch is expected to expand service and further increase air connectivity in Syria and internationally.
Saudi Arabia backs new Syrian leadership
The massive Saudi investment in Syria also includes a $2 billion (7.5 billion Saudi riyals) commitment from the newly established Elaf fund to develop two airports in Aleppo.
Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister, said:
“[Aviation is a] key enabler of economic development,” adding that the partnership was a step toward “constructive investment cooperation” between the two countries.
The announcement comes as the Saudi government positions itself as one of the main backers of Syria’s new executive, which took power after toppling the dictator Bashar al-Assad and ending the deadly civil war in December 2024.
This investment deal is reportedly the largest since the United States lifted sanctions on Syria at the end of 2025 and also includes a $1 billion investment in the telecommunications sector, according to Abdulsalam Haykal, Syria’s minister of communications and information technology.
What do you think of this Saudi-Syrian partnership? How will it impact air travel in the Middle East? Share your thoughts in the comments.
