Flynas, the Saudi low-cost carrier, will launch direct flights between Riyadh and Aleppo starting 1 August 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Syria. The route will operate twice weekly, every Wednesday and Saturday, connecting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with Aleppo International Airport.
The outbound flight departs Riyadh at 12:00 and arrives in Aleppo at 14:30, with the return leg leaving Aleppo at 15:30 and landing in Riyadh at 18:10. Flight duration is approximately two and a half hours each way.
Flynas has introduced introductory fares starting from SAR1,110 (about US$296) for one-way tickets from Riyadh to Aleppo, and from SAR823 (about US$219) for the return journey. The pricing aligns with the carrier’s low-cost model and aims to stimulate passenger demand between the two markets.
Aleppo becomes Flynas’ second Syrian destination after Damascus. The airline resumed flights to Damascus in June 2025 and currently operates 24 weekly services to the Syrian capital, including 14 weekly flights from Riyadh, seven from Jeddah and three from Dammam.
Beyond route expansion, Flynas signed an agreement in early 2026 to establish a joint-venture airline in Syria, expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. The initiative aims to further develop domestic and regional air connectivity.
The Riyadh–Aleppo launch is part of Flynas’ broader international growth. During summer 2026, the airline added European destinations including Rome, Munich and Budapest, and now serves over 25 destinations across Europe, Africa and Asia from its bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
Flynas is not the only Gulf carrier returning to Aleppo. UAE-based Flydubai is scheduled to restart daily flights to the city from 20 July 2026, after a 14-year absence.
Why it matters
The resumption of direct flights between Riyadh and Aleppo signals a gradual recovery of Syria’s aviation sector and growing regional interest in reconnecting the country with international networks. For tour operators and DMCs, improved air access to Aleppo — a city with significant cultural heritage — could open opportunities for inbound tourism from Saudi Arabia and beyond. The entry of multiple Gulf carriers on the route may increase capacity and fare competition, benefiting travel trade buyers sourcing packages to northern Syria. Flynas’ planned joint-venture airline also points to longer-term investment in Syria’s aviation infrastructure, which could further support tourism revival.
