GACA President: Strategic Partnerships with Syria Enhance Air Integration and Infrastructure Development

 President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej affirmed that the qualitative steps in Saudi-Syrian cooperation in civil aviation—most notably the establishment of “flynas Syria” and the signing of a memorandum of understanding to develop and operate Aleppo International Airport—reflect a strategic approach to building an integrated aviation system that enhances regional connectivity and supports economic development in both countries.
 Al-Duailej noted that the establishment of the new carrier represents an important addition to the air connectivity network, contributing to facilitating passenger movement and promoting trade and tourism.
 He indicated that the Aleppo International Airport development and operation project constitutes a key pillar for enhancing aviation infrastructure and creating a sustainable operational and investment environment, in line with global best practices in civil aviation.
 He also affirmed that these steps reflect the commitment of the leaderships of both countries to strengthening strategic cooperation in vital sectors, particularly civil aviation, thereby consolidating economic integration and advancing bilateral partnership toward broader and more sustainable horizons.
 “We are ready to work in an integrated manner with our brothers in Syria through multiple channels, including airport development and upgrading air navigation infrastructure, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and strengthening regional and international air connectivity,” Al-Duailej said.
 The remarks were made during the ceremony preceding the signing of the agreement to establish “flynas Syria” and the announcement of the strategic MoU to develop and operate Aleppo International Airport, in the presence of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and a high-level Saudi delegation led by the Minister of Investment.
 The initiatives fall within the framework of strategic investment agreements between the two countries, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in civil aviation and supporting development projects with sustainable impact.
 Al-Duailej further affirmed that GACA will continue working with relevant bodies to ensure compliance with the highest regulatory and operational standards, enhance aviation safety and security, reinforce the region’s position as an active air hub, and contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to empower the aviation sector and expand regional and international air connectivity.
 In December 2025, the GACA president and president of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport signed in Riyadh a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation and held discussions to update the Air Services Agreement.
 The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation and bilateral collaboration based on shared interests and mutual respect, in accordance with the laws, regulations, and instructions in force in both countries, as well as to establish regulatory frameworks governing air transport operations between the two states.