Syria, Saudi Arabia Sign Three Aviation, Transport, Logistics Agreements

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral air transport agreement as part of three broader agreements and memoranda of understanding covering transport, logistics, communications, and civil aviation. The documents were finalized during a visit by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser to Damascus.

Aviation Agreement Under Open Skies Principle

The air transport agreement updates the Executive Work Program governing bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, originally signed in 2007. It operates under the open skies principle, granting airlines from both countries broad operational flexibility to expand services and launch new routes. According to Omar Al-Husri, head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, the accord is not merely a legal framework for regulating flights but forms part of a wider effort to reintegrate Syria into its Arab and regional environment and reinforce its position on the international air transport map.

Transport and Logistics Cooperation

In Damascus’ Four Seasons Hotel, Syrian Transport Minister Yarab Badr and Al-Jasser signed two memoranda of understanding focused on railway and road transport sectors. These documents formalize cooperation between the two countries in transport and logistics infrastructure and operations.

Postal Services Development

Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haikal and Al-Jasser signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration in postal service development. The agreement includes coordination between the Syrian Post Authority and Saudi Post.

Strategic Importance of Air Links

Al-Husri stated in remarks to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that the bilateral air transport agreement “represents an important step in developing air relations between the two countries and lays the foundation for a new phase of cooperation in the civil aviation sector.” He emphasized that the agreement enables future increases in flight frequency and destinations between Syria and Saudi Arabia without traditional constraints on capacity or scheduling. He described Saudi Arabia as a strategically vital market for Syria—citing passenger traffic, family visits, Hajj and Umrah travel, and business and investment movement—and noted that enhancing air connectivity carries implications extending beyond aviation into tourism, trade, investment, and economic exchange.

The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority characterized the agreement as an important step in developing air relations between the two countries and as foundational to a new phase of cooperation in the civil aviation sector.