Syrian Air’s comeback: CEO Anwar Akkad on flights, fleet and practical obstacles

Syrian Air is attempting a cautious revival of international services after more than a decade of civil conflict and international sanctions. In September 2026 the airline added Copenhagen and Vienna to a short list of European destinations that already included Amsterdam and Moscow. These flights signal a move to reconnect Syria with Europe, but the relaunch has been uneven and repeatedly exposed practical problems.

What happened on the Copenhagen flight

Fuel supply instability is one factor affecting airlines worldwide, but Syrian Air's challenges also include the practicalities of doing business in a politically sensitive region. Contracts with foreign suppliers can fall through at short notice, and established European companies have sometimes failed to complete necessary steps reliably. These problems create cascading effects on schedules and passenger confidence as the airline re-establishes routes.

Akkad set an expansion agenda focused on adding aircraft and destinations. Public reporting around the same time mentions Syrian Air receiving Airbus A320s and eyeing additional jets to expand capacity. The airline is reopening routes to Russia and Europe and pursuing growth that depends on securing reliable suppliers, leasing or purchasing aircraft, and navigating international regulatory constraints.

Syria's civil aviation apparatus is active on multiple fronts. Authorities have discussed reclassifying airfields to diversify capacity—for example, converting some military bases for civilian use and preparing other airports to handle executive and general aviation traffic. Those moves will affect operational basing decisions and could relieve congestion at primary commercial airports if implemented.

Practical priorities for the near term

• Stabilize supply chains: secure dependable fuel contracts and backup providers to avoid last-minute cancellations.
• Finalize fleet acquisitions: add serviceable aircraft quickly while ensuring maintenance and certification can be sustained.
• Rebuild route reliability: protect schedule integrity to restore passenger trust on resumed European and regional routes.
• Coordinate with regulators: align on airport conversions and civil aviation requirements to support expanded operations.

Monitor subsequent Syrian Air schedules for reliability improvements, announcements about additional aircraft deliveries, and formal agreements with foreign suppliers. Changes to airport classifications and infrastructure work at Damascus-area airfields will shape medium-term capacity and route planning.

Syrian Air's relaunch is tangible but fragile. New European destinations demonstrate intent and progress, yet operational setbacks tied to fuel contracting and regional supply issues highlight the roadblocks the carrier must manage to sustain growth and regular service.