Saudi Arabia is preparing a substantial investment package for Syria, which includes the establishment of a new private airline. As announced by the head of the Syrian Investment Authority, this project is part of a multi-billion-dollar financial package intended to significantly strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. It represents the most significant capital commitment since the lifting of US sanctions against Syria in December 2025. According to current plans, the new airline will operate with a fleet of more than a dozen aircraft, thereby fundamentally improving the country's civilian connectivity after years of isolation.
In addition to establishing the airline, significant funds are being invested in modernizing infrastructure. Syrian government sources confirmed that contracts have been signed for the comprehensive development of Aleppo International Airport. Aleppo is intended to serve as the second major aviation hub alongside Damascus and will be brought up to international standards with Saudi Arabian capital. These measures follow last year's announcement that Riyadh intends to provide a total of $6,4 billion (approximately €5,4 billion) for the reconstruction of key Syrian sectors. The investments signal a profound political and economic rapprochement between the two regional powers.
The geopolitical landscape has fundamentally changed since the fall of the Assad regime some 14 months ago. Under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Riyadh is positioning itself as a strategic partner of Syria and is using the lifting of international sanctions to enter the market. Market analysts expect the new airline to primarily serve regional routes and reconnect Syria to the global air transport network. The lifting of sanctions also allows Syria to acquire modern, Western-built aircraft and necessary spare parts, making the establishment of an efficient fleet a reality.
The development of Aleppo airport and the launch of a new private airline are considered prestige projects for the new Syrian government. Saudi Arabia is also pursuing its own economic interests with this commitment, securing early influence in the country's key industries. Investments in the aviation sector are expected to attract further foreign investors, as a functioning transport infrastructure is considered a prerequisite for overall economic reconstruction. For the region, this move signifies the stabilization of trade routes and the increased integration of Syria into the Arab economic sphere.