Saudi Arabia and Syria have agreed to launch a new joint-venture flynas Syria airline to begin operations in the 4th quarter of 2026. 

The joint venture will be 51% owned by the Syrian side and 49% by flynas to enhance connectivity across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. 

The partnership also includes plans to develop Aleppo International Airport to support aviation growth, trade, tourism, and achieve Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Launching Flynas Syria

The aviation landscape in the Middle East is set to undergo a big transformation with the announcement of a new joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, Flynas, and the Syrian government. 

This partnership launches Flynas Syria, a new airline that is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. Flynas Syria was formalized at a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials, including Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and a Saudi delegation. 

This collaboration is a pivotal step in revitalizing Syria’s civil aviation sector, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years. The new airline will be structured as a joint venture, with the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport holding a 51% stake, while Flynas will retain a 49% share.

Investment in Infrastructure Development

In addition to launching the new airline, the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Syria includes a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and operate Aleppo International Airport. This initiative is seen as a vital component of the broader investment framework between the two nations.

Aleppo International Airport

The development of Aleppo International Airport is expected to modernize Syria’s aviation infrastructure and enhance its capacity to handle increased air traffic. This project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to empower the aviation sector and expand international connectivity. 

The airport’s modernization will not only support Flynas Syria’s operations but also attract other airlines to the region. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih emphasized that the Aleppo airport project serves as a model for constructive investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria. 

Enhancing the Syrian Economy

The establishment of Flynas Syria and the development of Aleppo International Airport are part of a broader vision to rebuild Syria’s civil aviation sector on modern economic foundations. 

The revival of air travel in Syria is expected to boost the country’s economy. With international and Arab tourist arrivals increasing by 80% in 2025 compared to the previous year, the demand for air travel is on the rise. 

The renewed focus on air travel is expected to bolster Syria’s tourism sector, which has shown signs of recovery in recent years. The Syrian Ministry of Tourism has signed investment contracts worth $1.5 billion for new hotels, resorts, and the restoration of heritage sites. 

This influx of investment, coupled with improved air connectivity, will create a more attractive environment for international travelers.

Elevating Connectivity in Middle East

The establishment of Flynas Syria is poised to significantly improve air connectivity in the region. The airline plans to operate routes that connect major cities in Syria with key destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. 

This expansion of air travel options is expected to facilitate not only tourism but also business and trade opportunities.

Flynas’s Return to Syrian Airspace

Flynas’s return to the Syrian market in mid-2025 marked a significant milestone, as it became the first Saudi airline to resume scheduled flights to Damascus. 

Currently, Flynas operates 23 weekly flights connecting Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam with the Syrian capital. This renewed connectivity aligns with the broader goals of enhancing regional integration and cooperation.

Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

The partnership between Flynas and Syria aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the country’s position as a global hub for trade and tourism. By strengthening air connectivity, the two nations are taking significant steps toward achieving these ambitious goals.

Rshaping Travel in Middle East

The launch of Flynas Syria represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Syria. By enhancing air connectivity and investing in critical infrastructure, both nations are taking proactive steps toward revitalizing the aviation sector and fostering economic growth. 

As the new airline prepares for its inaugural flights in 2026, the future looks promising for air travel in the region, paving the way for increased tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

More Flynas Ventures

Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Moscow

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, Flynas has direct flights between Riyadh and Moscow starting 1st August 2025.

This new route operates 3 times a week and marks the first scheduled direct route between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

This expansion aligns with Flynas’ ambitious growth plans and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals to connect over 250 International destinations.

Weekly Flights to Abu Dhabi 

Saudi Arabia’s low cost airline, Flynas has launched 3 direct weekly flights between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi from April 10th, 2025.

This new route operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and makes flynas the only Saudi carrier serving all 4 major UAE airports.

This expansion aligns with Flynas’ ambitious growth plans and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals to connect over 250 International destinations.

Flynas’ Expansion to UAE

Flynas is set to expand its presence in the UAE by launching 8 new routes connecting 4 Saudi cities to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Maktoum airports starting in September. 

With over 20 daily flights, including flights from Riyadh to Dubai and Madinah to Sharjah, flynas will become the UAE’s largest Saudi carrier.  

This expansion aligns with Flynas’ ambitious growth plans and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals to connect over 250 International destinations.

Flynas 2024 Mid Year Results

Saudi Arabia’s budget airline Flynas flew an impressive record-breaking 7 million passengers in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 47% rise in traveler numbers. 

This growth is attributed to the airline’s expanded domestic and international routes, along with the addition of 160 new Airbus aircraft in July.

Flynas: Middle East’s Best Low Cost Airline

Flynas has been recognized as the Best Low Cost Airline in the Middle East by the International Skytrax Organization for the 7th year in a row. 

Additionally, it has earned the title of the 4th best low-cost airline in the world for the second time. 

Flynas currently offers 1,500 weekly flights to 70 destinations, both domestic and international, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve the country’s aviation and tourism industries.

Flynas’ IPO Launch 

Flynas, a low-cost airline supported by Billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, will initiate its IPO on the Tadawul Stock exchange this year. The company has demonstrated a 32% increase in annual revenue, reaching $1.68 Billion in 2023. 

Additionally, Flynas intends to acquire 30 wide-body planes as part of its expansion strategy, which aligns with the Kingdom’s objective of boosting annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030.

Flynas’ New Madinah Base 

Flynas has recently announced the opening of the New Madinah Base at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in the Holy City of Al Madinah. 

This expansion includes adding six new routes, two domestic routes to Abha and Tabuk, and four international routes to Dubai, Amman, Istanbul, and Ankara. 

This aligns with the country’s goal of connecting to 250 international destinations by 2030 and increasing passenger traffic to 330 million. 

These new routes will complement the existing four destinations from Madinah: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Cairo, resulting in a total of ten destinations served by Flynas from the new Madinah hub.

Flynas and Eve Air eVTOL Operations

Flynas and Eve Air Mobility have joined forces to introduce eVTOL operations to Riyadh and Jeddah by 2026. 

The announcement was made that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to investigate the potential of eVTOL flights in the two cities to boost the aviation sector of Saudi Arabia and contribute to the sustainability goals of Vision 2030.

Flynas Joins The UN World Tourism Organization

Flynas has become the first Saudi airline to join the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as an affiliate. 

This decision aligns with their goal of promoting sustainable and economical regional tourism. In recent months, Flynas has extended its flight routes to Europe and Africa and has been recognized as the Best Low-Cost Airline in the Middle East for 2023. 

This step not only sets a new standard for the aviation industry but also showcases Flynas’s dedication towards sustainable global tourism, which aligns with its sustainability strategy and the Kingdom’s vision for the future of the travel sector.

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