Syria, Saudi Arabia Sign Updated Air Transport Deal

The head of Syria's General Authority of Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hasri, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser, signed a bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries. The signing took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus on Thursday.

Background

The agreement updates the executive work programme governing aviation cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia, originally signed in 2007 and operating under the open skies principle.

Terms of the Agreement

Al-Hasri told the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that the agreement grants broad flexibility to airlines in both countries to expand operations and launch new routes according to commercial feasibility and market requirements.

• Potential increase in the number of flights and destinations between the two countries
• Removal of traditional restrictions on capacity and frequency
• Wider operational flexibility for national carriers in both countries

Significance of the Saudi Market

Al-Hasri noted that Saudi Arabia represents a strategically important market for Syria, whether for passenger traffic, family visits, Hajj and Umrah, or business and investment travel.

Expected Economic Impact

According to his statement to SANA, al-Hasri said the development of air connectivity between the two countries could have effects extending beyond the aviation sector, into tourism, trade, investment and economic exchange.

Next Steps

The agreement will enter into force after both countries complete the necessary legislative procedures and issue the required legislative instruments.