Syrian Air Resumes Flights Between Damascus and Jeddah After Seven-Year Suspension

Syrian Air has announced the resumption of its flight services between Damascus International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, marking the revival of this route after a seven-year hiatus. The flights will restart on Thursday, November 7, and will operate twice a week, with departures scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays, according to an announcement from the Syrian News Agency.

Hatem Kabbas, Director General of Syrian Airlines, confirmed the resumption, noting that the reestablished route will serve travelers between Syria and Saudi Arabia, facilitating transportation and strengthening communication at various levels between the two nations. Kabbas encouraged travelers interested in booking to contact Syrian Airlines offices. Regular commercial flights between Damascus and Jeddah have been suspended since May 2016.

The renewal of flights comes amid a broader restoration of diplomatic ties and cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia. Relations between the two countries had been severed since the Syrian civil conflict began in 2011, leading to years of isolation for Syria within the region. However, in recent developments, both nations have moved towards normalization, reestablishing diplomatic and consular services in April 2023, followed by the reinstatement of full diplomatic relations in May 2023.

July of this year marked a significant step in Syria-Saudi air travel when the first Syrian Airlines flight arrived at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The flight was warmly received with a formal welcome ceremony attended by Syrian Ambassador Ayman Sousan and Saudi officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation. This was viewed as a major step in reopening air connections between the two nations.

Syrian Airlines had also resumed special Hajj flights in May, providing direct transportation for Syrian pilgrims for the first time in over a decade. The first Hajj flight left Damascus International Airport on May 28, bringing 270 Syrian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and symbolizing an end to the travel barriers for pilgrims due to the civil conflict.

Further diplomatic steps have strengthened this relationship, with Saudi Arabia appointing Dr. Faisal bin Saud Al-Mujfel as its ambassador to Syria in May 2024, while Syria’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Muhammad Soussan, took office in Riyadh in January.

This development signals continued progress in Syria-Saudi relations and increased regional reintegration for Syria. The return of regular flights between Damascus and Jeddah is expected to aid travelers and enhance economic and social ties, marking another milestone in the normalization process between the two countries.