EU Lifts Sanctions on Syrianair
In a significant policy shift, the Council of the European Union has relaxed its sanctions on Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. As part of this easing, state-owned flag carrier Syrianair (RB, Damascus) has been removed from the EU’s sanctions list, marking a new chapter in European engagement with Syria.
The EU’s decision is aimed at fostering closer economic and political ties with Syria, facilitating critical cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, and finance. In an official statement, the Council of the European Union explained, “The EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with such sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes.” This policy shift is expected to open doors for humanitarian aid, reconstruction projects, and broader commercial interactions with the country.
Syrianair, which was designated by the EU in 2012 as part of broader sanctions targeting the Syrian government, is now set to benefit from increased international cooperation. The airline was previously sanctioned by the United States in 2013, and although the EU has lifted its restrictions, the U.S. designation remains in place. This means that while Syrianair can now engage more freely with EU-based businesses and financial institutions, it will continue to face hurdles in the U.S. market until its status is reconsidered.
Currently, Syrianair operates a fleet that includes eight Airbus A320-200s and two Airbus A340-300s. However, operational data indicates that only two of the A320-200s are actively flying at present. The fleet reduction has been a concern for the airline, which has been seeking new opportunities to revitalize its operations amid the changing political landscape in Syria.
The easing of sanctions on Syrianair reflects the EU’s broader strategy to re-engage with Syria after years of isolation. The move is also seen as a step toward promoting regional stability and economic recovery in Syria, which has endured significant challenges over the past decade. By allowing Syrian state assets like Syrianair to participate in the European market, the EU hopes to catalyze investment in key infrastructure and boost bilateral trade.
In contrast, the country’s largest privately-owned airline, Cham Wings Airlines (SAW, Damascus), remains under EU sanctions. The continued restrictions on Cham Wings highlight the EU’s cautious approach in balancing engagement with accountability, ensuring that state-linked entities benefit first while the broader process of normalization continues.
Industry experts anticipate that the removal of Syrianair from the EU sanctions list could pave the way for further integration of Syrian aviation into the global market. The decision is likely to encourage negotiations between Syrian officials and international financial institutions, potentially leading to renewed investment in the nation’s aviation and transport sectors. For Syrianair, the policy shift may offer new opportunities for fleet renewal, improved operational funding, and the expansion of route networks, which could ultimately benefit Syrian connectivity with the rest of the world.
As the EU and Syria move towards renewed diplomatic and economic engagement, the aviation sector is expected to play a crucial role in supporting broader reconstruction and development initiatives. The lifting of sanctions on Syrianair is a clear indicator of the EU’s willingness to embrace change and foster long-term stability in the region.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com