Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a series of economic agreements covering aviation, water, telecommunications and development, marking one of the most significant rounds of bilateral cooperation in years. The deals, signed Feb. 7, by Syrian authorities and Saudi partners focus on rebuilding infrastructure and expanding regional connectivity.
A central component involves cooperation with the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority to develop a new Aleppo International Airport, upgrade the existing facility and establish a Syrian commercial and cargo airline. Officials said the aviation projects aim to restore air transport capacity while supporting trade and passenger travel after years of disruption.
Under a separate joint aviation agreement, Syria and Saudi Arabia will launch Flynas Syria, a new national low-cost airline. The agreement was signed by the head of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport and the chief executive officer of Flynas Saudi Arabia.
According to the agreement, Flynas Syria will be jointly owned, with 51% held by the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority and 49% by Flynas. The airline is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will operate flights across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with the stated goal of improving air traffic to and from Syria.
Water and Infrastructure Projects Expand Scope
Beyond aviation, the agreements include water desalination and transport projects designed to address Syria’s long-standing water shortages. The two sides agreed to conduct economic, technical and financial studies related to seawater desalination and water transport infrastructure, according to the announcement.
Telecommunications also feature prominently. A strategic project will upgrade Syria’s communications infrastructure through the expansion of fiber optic networks and the construction of data centers. Syrian officials said the plan aims to position the country as a regional data hub, although no timeline or investment figures were disclosed.
The agreements also cover the operation and development of the Modern Syrian Cable Company, along with the creation of a national platform for vocational, technical and technological training. Officials said the training platform is intended to support workforce development aligned with the new infrastructure projects such as SilkLink.
Development Initiatives and International Reaction
In addition, a framework cooperation agreement was signed between the Syrian Development Fund (SYDF) and the Saudi Development Committee to launch 45 development initiatives. The projects are expected to span multiple sectors, though specific locations and funding details have not yet been released.
The announcements drew international attention. US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said Washington welcomed the agreements. “We commend the Saudi-Syrian investment agreements announced this week,” Barrack said in a statement. “Strategic partnerships in aviation, infrastructure, and telecommunications will contribute meaningfully to Syria’s reconstruction efforts.”
Barrack added that the deals align with broader regional goals. “As President Trump has emphasized, regional stability is best achieved when nations of the region take responsibility for their own future, and this partnership delivers on that principle,” he said.
While many of the projects remain in early stages, the breadth of the agreements suggests a coordinated effort to reestablish economic ties and support Syria’s reconstruction through regional investment rather than external aid alone.
