Syria’s civil aviation authority welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to repeal the Caesar Act, saying the move could mark the first real opening for the country’s aviation sector in years.
Omar al‑Hosari, head of the Civil Aviation and Air Transport Authority, said the decision allows long‑stalled projects to move forward.
He cited potential upgrades including airport modernization, fleet development, expanded routes and renewed interest from international investors.
Al‑Hosari said these opportunities, blocked for years under sanctions, bring Syria “closer than ever” to reconnecting with global air networks.
He described the vote as an important step toward restoring normal operations in Syrian airspace and rebuilding the country’s role in regional aviation.
The Caesar Act, enacted in 2019, imposed extensive sanctions on the former regime. Its repeal was included in the 2026 U.S. Defense Department budget bill.
Poor infrastructure, regional conflict and sporadic Israeli airstrikes continue to limit airline returns.
Still, at least 11 foreign carriers are scheduled to fly into Syria this month, up from three a year ago, following the overthrow of Bashar al‑Assad in December 2024.