Syrian Air

Syrian Air (RB), Syria's flag carrier operating as SyrianAir, has a rich history dating back to 1946 when it launched as Syrian Airways with propeller planes like the DC-3 for domestic routes. It expanded regionally in the 1950s, merged briefly into United Arab Airlines during the UAR era, and reemerged as Syrian Arab Airlines in 1961. The jet age arrived in 1965 with Caravelles, followed by Boeing jets in the 1970s-90s. Rebranded SyrianAir in 1975, it served Middle Eastern and European destinations until sanctions and the 2011 civil war grounded much of its operations, leading to fleet retirements and EU flight bans.

Headquartered in Damascus, the airline hubs primarily at Damascus International (DAM) and recently reactivated Aleppo (ALP). Post-2024 regime change, Syrian Air has staged a remarkable comeback: EU sanctions lifted in February 2025 enabled Airbus deals worth $250M for up to 10 A320s. Operations restarted domestically in December 2024, with flights to Aleppo, and international routes to Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, and Libya. Plans include Baku, Delhi, and gradual European returns, plus Hajj charters after a 12-year hiatus.

As a full-service carrier with no alliance ties, it offers economy and business classes on a fleet blending narrowbodies for regional hops and A340s for longer sectors. Despite challenges like aging aircraft and past service issues, recent overhauls—from one to four active planes by early 2026—signal renewal. Passenger feedback is mixed but sparse, citing friendly crews amid outdated cabins and delays. With sanctions easing and tourism rebounding, Syrian Air stands poised to reconnect Syria globally, blending resilience with revival.