Joint-venture airline Flynas Syria to commence operations in Q426; plans routes across Europe, Africa, Middle East
Dhaka: Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flynas has signed an agreement with Syrian authorities to establish a new joint-venture airline, Flynas Syria, marking a significant step in restoring and expanding Syria’s civil aviation sector.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa as part of broader strategic investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic, in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and Syria’s civil aviation authorities.
Under the agreement, Flynas Syria will be formed as a joint-venture airline. 51% ownership will be held by the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport and 49% by Flynas.
Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of licensing and operational procedures currently being finalized with the relevant authorities.
Flynas Syria is expected to operate flights across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The new carrier aims to strengthen air connectivity to and from Syria and meet growing regional and international travel demand.
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting high-quality cross-border investments, noting that aviation plays a critical role in economic development and regional connectivity.
Omar Hisham Al Hosari, president of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, described the venture as a strategic step toward rebuilding Syria’s civil aviation industry on modern economic and regulatory foundations.
He said the partnership is designed to balance safety requirements, operational sustainability, investment stimulation, and passenger service, while facilitating knowledge transfer and enhancing national capabilities.
Flynas Chairman Ayed Al Jeaid called the agreement a historic milestone in the airline’s growth strategy and a promising investment model aligned with Flynas’ international expansion plans.
Flynas CEO Bander Almohanna said the joint venture represents a qualitative leap for the airline and is expected to positively impact its financial performance while reinforcing investor confidence.
Flynas currently operates 23 weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Damascus. On June 5, 2025, the airline became the first Saudi carrier to resume scheduled flights to the Syrian capital, adding Damascus to its network.
V
