Syria has signed a $250 million financing agreement with a Qatar-led consortium to buy up to 10 Airbus A320s for Syrian Airlines, part of a broader $4 billion plan to redevelop Damascus International Airport. The project, involving Qatari, US, and Turkish partners, is among 12 strategic investments worth $14 billion aimed at reviving the war-damaged economy.
The fleet upgrade seeks to improve the competitiveness of the national carrier, which operates mostly grounded, ageing aircraft and relies on black-market parts due to sanctions. Sanctions relief could allow legal sourcing of certified parts, boost safety, and enable new aircraft orders.
Gulf aviation authorities are lobbying for Syria’s aviation development, with industry experts predicting rapid growth if sanctions lift and investment flows into infrastructure, regulation, and airline restructuring. Major carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, have resumed flights to Damascus, signalling rising international engagement.
Source: The National