Aleppo Airport To Begin Upgrade Works Under Saudi-Syrian Deal

Aleppo International Airport is set for a major overhaul, with upgrade works scheduled to begin in early 2027, under an agreement between Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport and Saudi Arabia’s BinDawood-led Elaf Investment Fund.

The joint initiative aims to revitalize Syria’s aviation sector, rebuild regional infrastructure and reconnect the country with global markets after years of conflict. It follows bilateral talks held in Jeddah Sept. 7–10 between Syrian civil aviation officials and the Saudi investment group.

According to a joint statement, the plan follows a dual-track strategy: immediate operational upgrades at the existing airport alongside financial planning for an entirely new facility. Near-term work will focus on improving technical capabilities, passenger services and operational efficiency at the current site, while the contract also secures financing for an integrated radar navigation system covering Syrian airspace.

The proposed new airport, to be built in phases, is designed for an initial capacity of 6 million passengers annually, with room to expand to 12 million.

Commercial aviation in Syria has surged as regional airlines rapidly expand services following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, supported by the relaunch of state-owned Syrian Airlines in early 2025. International carriers have steadily restored air links to the country as a result. Gulf connections to Aleppo in particular have grown sharply.

Saudi partnerships have further boosted Syria’s aviation sector. In February, Flynas launched a joint-venture subsidiary, Flynas Syria.

Data from the CAPA – Centre for Aviation Fleet Database shows Aleppo International Airport is far busier than three years ago, albeit from a low base. For the week of Sept. 14, published schedules list 14 operating airlines, 77 outbound departures, 22 routes and 12,694 departing seats. Since September 2023, the airport has added 12 airlines and 69 weekly departures. Compared with September 2025 alone, departures are up 113.9%, and carriers have nearly tripled.