Syrian GACA chief puts aviation front and centre of recovery strategy
December 18, 2025
In a keynote speech at the Global Airports Forum in Riyadh, the President of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation – H.E. Omar Al Hosari – outlined the country’s national aviation strategy.
Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, Syria’s new government under Ahmed Al Sharaa has prioritised economic and infrastructure redevelopment, with aviation positioned as a key enabler.
A civil war that lasted for more than a decade after the 2011 Arab Spring gradually and effectively closed Syria off to the world, with essential infrastructure destroyed and tourism coming to a halt.
Syrian aviation chief: “We are not rebuilding what once was; we are creating what must be”
Al Hosari highlighted that the country’s aviation strategy is not simply about rebuilding broken infrastructure, but rather about future-proofing the country.
“Syria stands today at a defining moment in the history of its aviation sector. A moment of genuine refoundation, not just reconstruction. We are not rebuilding what once was, we are creating what must be.”
During his panel discussion at the Global Aviation Issues Conference at the Global Airports Forum, Al Hosari noted that the country has launched a comprehensive national effort to rebuild its airline industry guided by “modern principles and forward-looking standards.”
Its long-term plan is built on five key pillars:
- Develop Syria into an air bridge connecting East and West, “integrated with regional aviation hubs in Riyadh and Jeddah, particularly.”
- Establish airports as economic agents that generate new opportunities.
- Build a modern, connected, and competitive national carrier through fleet renewal, operational development and strong international partnerships.
- Embed a safety culture across its air transport industry “with no exceptions.”
- Engage international partnerships in development, operation, air navigation and training.
Earlier this week in Riyadh, Syrian officials signed an initial agreement with Saudi authorities for technical cooperation.
“Let me say it clearly: Syria is returning,” he proclaimed. “And aviation will be the forefront of its return.”
Syria’s rapid infrastructural development
Shortly after the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s airports opened to the world. Qatar Airways was the first international carrier to land in Damascus with regular flights to its Doha hub.
Other airlines to resume services included Turkish Airlines to Istanbul and Emirates to Dubai.
“In less than one year, we transitioned from an emergency response phase to full operational readiness in our primary airports, with air traffic returning at a pace that reflects restored confidence in Syria’s airspace,” Al Hosari said.
He highlighted the country’s work in restoring essential air navigation systems and associated operational requirements to allow for the return of international airlines.
“Today, air traffic exceeds any figure recorded since 2011. We want to continue to build clear evidence of structural transformation, rather than temporary recovery.”
Redefining Syria’s regional aviation position
Discussing construction plans in the works, the President reiterated the country’s focus on futureproofing and reaching world-class standards.
“It is a redefinition of Syria’s gateway to the world, its image, its function and its identity,” he said. “It includes expanding and modernising existing terminals, constructing a new world-class passenger terminal, upgrading operational and air navigation systems and redesigning the entire passenger experience.”
More specifically, Syria hopes Damascus will be “reclaiming its role as the regional centre for aviation training and connectivity.”
Al Hosari highlighted that the country was already working on teaching the next generation of Syrian aviation professionals, “leading the next phase with confidence and competence.” Much less a resumption, Syria’s aviation industry in 2025 is a new beginning.
Featured image: Björn Wylezich | stock.adobe.com
