Saudi carrier flyadeal to start flights to Syria, CEO says
Saudi budget carrier flyadeal could start flying to Syria as early as July, CEO Steven Greenway said on Wednesday, joining a handful of foreign airlines introducing or resuming flights to the country as sanctions against it are scaled back.
"We got approvals last week to fly to Syria... We're getting ready to hopefully launch that in July," Greenway told Reuters in Manila where he announced a deal to lease two jets from Philippine budget airline Cebu Pacific.
Many airlines pulled out of Syria during its 14-year civil war. International flights also stopped for a period after rebels toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, but then resumed with services currently offered by Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian as well as Syrian carriers.
United Arab Emirates-based FlyDubai has said it will resume services from June.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration last week issued orders effectively lifting sanctions on Syria. Trump said he did so at the behest of Saudi Arabia's crown prince. EU foreign ministers also agreed last week to lift economic sanctions on Syria.
Saudi Arabia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
9 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Lufthansa to resume flights to Tel Aviv from June 23
Germany's Lufthansa airline group said Friday it would restart flights to and from Tel Aviv on June 23, having suspended them early last month amid the ongoing regional conflict. The group said in a statement that the decision would affect Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, Brussels Airlines Eurowings, ITA and Lufthansa Cargo but that "for operational reasons", the individual airlines would only resume services "gradually". "The decision is based on an extensive security analysis and in coordination with the relevant authorities," it added. May 4 rocket attack launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels, and extended the suspension several times since. The missile landed near a car park at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport and injured six people, the first time a missile had penetrated the airport perimeter. The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel since the war in Gaza began in October 2023 with Palestinian militant group Hamas's attack on Israel. The Houthis, who say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians, paused their attacks during a two-month Gaza ceasefire that ended in March, but began again after Israel resumed its military campaign in the territory. The Israeli army has reported several such launches in recent days, with most of the projectiles being intercepted.
Khaleej Times
29 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Hajj pilgrim turnout lowest in 3 decades, excluding Covid years
More than 1.6 million Muslims are performing the sacred Hajj pilgrimage this year - with majority of them from outside Saudi Arabia, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The figures mark the lowest number of pilgrims in over three decades, according to AFP. They do not, however, include the years of Covid restrictions from 2020-2022, when only a limited number of attendees were allowed out of concern for the health and safety of the pilgrims. Prior to the pandemic, Hajj attendance would regularly exceed 2 million. Official figures noted 1.8 million Muslims took part in the Hajj last year. Meanwhile, the record for the highest turnout was set in 2012 when 3.16 million pilgrims took part. A total of 1,673,230 male and female pilgrims from all around the world stood on the sacred plains of Arafat and performed the rituals of Hajj 1446 AH with #Ease_And_Tranquility. — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 5, 2025 Stricter rules Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota basis and distributed to individuals by a lottery system. Authorities in Saudi have been working to ensure the highest standards of health and safety for those who undertake the pilgrimage, considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Higher penalties have been imposed this year for anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, arrest, and deportation. The kingdom also suspended short-term visas for 14 countries earlier this year, and security personnel can be seen across holy sites like Makkah. Despite these stringent measures, the high costs of Hajj packages see many continue to attempt to enter the country illegally. More than 50 expats were arrested on June 4 for trying to sneak into Makkah on foot. Climate impact This year's Hajj saw authorities also implementing a range of heat mitigation efforts, from expanding shaded areas to deploying over 400 cooling units. The measures are aimed at preventing a repeat of last year's Hajj that saw 1,301 people die in temperatures that hit 51.8°C. Saudi authorities said a majority of those deaths were among pilgrims who slipped into Makkah illegally and lacked access to accommodation and other services aimed to keep pilgrims safe and protected from the searing desert heat. This year's turnout underscores the ongoing efforts to balance the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage with necessary health, safety, and regulatory measures. Pilgrims continue to embrace this sacred journey, and authorities remain committed to ensuring a safe and meaningful experience for all who participate.
Khaleej Times
29 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
President Sheikh Mohamed receives UAE Rulers, Crown Princes on Eid Al-Adha
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the Rulers of the Emirates and members of the Federal Supreme Council, as well as Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers and sheikhs on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. The rulers exchanged Eid greetings and warm wishes with the guests. They prayed for continued health and happiness for all, and that the occasion would bring blessings, prosperity and peace to the people of the UAE. They also expressed their hopes for lasting security, stability and progress for the nation. During the meeting, the attendees engaged in warm and cordial conversation, expressing their hopes that God would continue to guide the UAE on its path of progress and prosperity. They affirmed their shared commitment to supporting the nation's development, securing a bright future for its people, and building on its achievements and global standing. The reception took place at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the rulers of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Also in attendance was Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
