Finance
Syria opens Mediterranean-Aleppo air corridor that could help ease regional snarl
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Syria has reopened a northern air corridor from Aleppo toward the Mediterranean, enabling safe flight access for both Syrian Air and foreign carriers amid wider regional airspace disruptions tied to recent US–Israel strikes on Iran.
Syria Launches Mediterranean-Aleppo Air Corridor to Boost Regional Air Traffic
By Feras Dalatey
Reactivation of Aleppo International Airport and New Air Corridor
DAMASCUS, March 5 (Reuters) - Syria has opened a newly reactivated air corridor from the northern city of Aleppo toward the Mediterranean Sea for use by foreign airlines as well as its national carrier, the head of the country’s Civil Aviation Authority told Reuters on Thursday, as air traffic gradually resumes through Aleppo International Airport.
Purpose and Accessibility of the New Air Corridor
Civil Aviation Authority director Omar Hosari said the route is intended to provide a safe flight path for aircraft arriving at and departing from Aleppo and will be available to any airline as long as it “meets international safety standards.”
International Airline Participation
“The corridors are not dedicated exclusively to Syrian Air,” said Hosari. “Other airlines can use them to transit or operate through Syrian airspace according to the usual regulatory procedures.”
Expansion of Air Routes and Operational Updates
In a Thursday statement, the authority said it had also reopened air routes in the northern part of Syrian airspace toward Turkey after conducting operational and technical assessments and reviewing regional developments affecting aviation.
Resumption of Flights and Future Destinations
The authority said the first Syrian Air flight departed Aleppo for Istanbul on Thursday and arrived safely, marking the gradual resumption of operations at Aleppo International Airport. A flight from Aleppo to the Saudi city of Jeddah is scheduled for Friday, with authorities studying the addition of other destinations including Riyadh.
Royal Jordanian and Other Airlines' Involvement
Hosari said Royal Jordanian is expected to use the Mediterranean corridor on Friday for a flight from Amman to Aleppo as part of the phased return of air traffic.
Regional Air Traffic Context
Commercial air traffic remained largely absent across much of the Middle East, with major Gulf hubs - including Doha and Dubai, the world's busiest airport for international passengers - largely shut for a sixth straight day after the U.S.-Israeli launched air strikes on Iran, which responded with retaliatory missile and drone strikes on the entire region.
Syria's Position Amid Regional Conflict
A week into the regional conflict, Syria is emerging relatively sidelined, with Iranian presence ceased after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, and U.S. military bases in the country evacuated last February.
(Writing by Feras Dalatey; Editing by Diane Craft)
Key Takeaways
- •Aleppo International Airport resumed operations on March 4–5, 2026 after technical and security assessments, though southern corridors including Damascus remain closed
- •The Mediterranean–Aleppo corridor is open to any airline meeting international safety standards; first flights include Syrian Air to Istanbul and planned services to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, plus expected use by Royal Jordanian
- •This development comes amid unprecedented regional airspace closures following US–Israeli attacks on Iran; major Gulf hubs such as Doha and Dubai were shut, disrupting thousands of flights globally
Frequently Asked Questions about Syria opens Mediterranean-Aleppo air corridor that could help ease regional snarl
1What new air route has Syria opened?
Syria has opened a reactivated air corridor from Aleppo to the Mediterranean Sea for use by both foreign and national airlines.
2Who can use the new Mediterranean-Aleppo air corridor?
Any airline that meets international safety standards can use the corridor, not just Syrian Air.
3Which airlines are expected to use the air corridor soon?
Syrian Air and Royal Jordanian are among the first airlines to use the new corridor, with more under consideration.
4Why was the Aleppo International Airport largely inactive?
Commercial air traffic was affected due to regional conflict and Middle East airport closures following air strikes and retaliatory attacks.
5What destinations are being considered for future flights from Aleppo?
Flights to Jeddah and potentially Riyadh are being planned, in addition to Istanbul.
