- Syria’s civil aviation authority has granted an Air Operator Certificate to Fly Dar Airlines, authorizing the private carrier to begin commercial operations.
- The certification marks a major milestone, making Fly Dar the first private Syrian airline to receive this authorization since December 2024 as part of the nation’s aviation recovery.
Updated 1 min 43 sec ago
September 24, 2026 22:55
LONDON: Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport on Thursday officially awarded an Air Operator Certificate to Fly Dar Airlines, clearing the private carrier to begin flights and marking a significant milestone in the country’s post-conflict aviation recovery.
The certification authorizes Fly Dar to operate under Syria’s national aviation regulations. Officials describe the move as a critical step in a broader strategy to rebuild the country’s aviation sector, attract private investment, and integrate domestic carriers into the global air transport network.
Omar Hosari, the head of the civil aviation authority, stated that the approval represents more than just the launch of a new airline. Speaking at the certification ceremony, he emphasized that the certificate marks the beginning of a new phase for Syrian aviation.
“This certificate is not merely a document allowing a company to begin operations; it marks the beginning of a new phase for Syria’s aviation sector,” Hosari said.
The entry of a privately owned Syrian carrier reflects a growing appetite among local investors for aviation and highlights the industry’s potential for expansion, competition, and economic growth.
The authority is actively working to establish an integrated regulatory framework for airline licensing, safety oversight, and operational management that aligns with international standards. The wider aviation strategy includes the rehabilitation of key airports, infrastructure upgrades, modernization of air navigation systems, and the expansion of Syria’s international flight links.
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive development plan running through 2030. The plan aims to leverage Syria’s strategic geographic location between the Middle East and Europe, with hopes of establishing the nation as a vital air transport bridge connecting the Gulf and the Levant with major European destinations.
The certification of Fly Dar coincides with efforts to expand the network of the state-owned Syrian Airlines. Earlier this week, the authority announced that Syrian Airlines would launch direct flights to Copenhagen on September 21 and Vienna on September 22.
Hosari noted in a social media post that these new routes are designed to broaden Syrian Airlines’ network, enhance direct connectivity from Syria, and reduce travelers’ reliance on foreign transit hubs. The expansion is expected to shorten journey times and lower travel costs, particularly for the Syrian diaspora living in Europe.
In July, the authority completed final procedures for regular, direct flights between Damascus and Amsterdam, restoring scheduled nonstop service between Syria and Europe after years of absence. Damascus International Airport received its first direct flight from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, re-establishing a key European link.
As part of the broader modernization push, the authority is also working to increase operational capacity at both Damascus and Aleppo international airports. Technicians have begun calibrating and testing advanced navigation and landing equipment at these facilities. These upgrades are designed to improve round-the-clock operations, allowing flights to safely operate at night and during low-visibility conditions such as heavy fog, ultimately enabling the airports to handle a higher volume of traffic and support new international destinations.
