RIYADH —Dr. Muhammad Soussan, Syrian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, revealed that the operation of scheduled flight service between Syria and Saudi Arabia will be resumed after the current Hajj season. The re-start of flight services between Damascus and Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, would constitute a qualitative addition in terms of further improving bilateral relations between the two countries," he said in an interview with Al-Arabiya channel on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia and Syria restored diplomatic relations in May 2023 after a hiatus of 12 years. Dr. Soussan assumed charge as ambassador in Riyadh in January this year. Recently, Saudi Arabia named Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel as its ambassador to Syria. "The resumption of flight services would please a large number of Syrians residing in Saudi Arabia, as well as the Saudi brothers who were used to enjoy the charm of the climate and nature in Syria during their vacations in the past. Syria's doors are open to the Saudi people as they have always been. They are welcome at any time," he said. Last Tuesday, Syria resumed Hajj flight service from Damascus International Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah, after a gap of 12 years. A flight carrying the first batch of 270 Syrian pilgrims from Damascus landed in Jeddah. Soussan said that the air fleet of Syrian Airlines is now working at full capacity to transport a total of 17,500 Syrian pilgrims, as per the quotas determined by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. A total of 51 direct flights between Damascus and Jeddah and Madinah will be operated. Saudi Arabia and Syria agreed to resume consular services in April 2023 and restored full diplomatic relations in May last year. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the Arab Summit held in Riyadh in the same month, for the first time in 12 years, marking the return of Syria to the Arab fold after long years of isolation.
