Understanding Syria’s Updated Aviation Charges and Airport Fees
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Guide for Airlines and Operators Flying into Syria
First Aero Services-FAS, is pleased to publish the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) regulations governing aviation-related charges applicable at Syrian airports and within Syrian airspace. These revisions provide greater clarity regarding landing charges, parking fees, air navigation charges, and aircraft sheltering fees applicable to international and domestic operators.
For airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers, and business aviation operators planning operations into the Syrian Arab Republic, understanding how these charges are calculated is essential for operational planning, permit processing, and cost forecasting.
Landing Charges in Syria:
According to the latest GACA resolution, landing fees are calculated based on the aircraft’s Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) as approved by the aircraft manufacturer and recognized by the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
The updated landing fee structure is as follows:
Aircraft Weight (MTOW) | Landing Charge |
Up to 40 tons | USD 175 flat rate |
41 – 100 tons | USD 5.00 per ton |
101 – 200 tons | USD 5.40 per ton |
201 – 300 tons | USD 7.60 per ton |
301 tons and above | USD 8.00 per ton |
This structure applies to aircraft operating at Syrian international airports, including Damascus International Airport (DAM), Aleppo International Airport (ALP), and other designated civil airports.
Example Calculation
A Boeing 777 aircraft with an MTOW of 250 tons would fall within the 201–300 ton category:
250 tons × USD 7.60 = USD 1,900 landing charge
Such calculations are important for operators budgeting charter and scheduled services into Syria.
Aircraft Parking Charges
Aircraft parking fees in Syria are assessed based on a percentage of the landing charge. Under the updated regulation, parking fees are calculated at:
15% of the landing fee for every 24-hour period or part thereof.
However, the first three hours after landing are exempt from parking charges.
Parking Fee Example
If the landing fee for an aircraft is USD 1,000:
Daily parking fee = 15% × USD 1,000
Total parking fee = USD 150 per 24 hours
This applies to apron parking positions and standard airport parking stands.
Aircraft Sheltering and Hangar Charges
For aircraft requiring hangar accommodation or sheltered parking facilities, GACA applies additional charges calculated as:
50% of the landing fee per 24-hour period or part thereof.
The first three hours are similarly exempt.
Operators should also note that:
Long-term aircraft storage exceeding three months may be subject to additional arrangements and charges.
The sheltering period is calculated from the time wheel chocks are installed until their removal prior to departure.
This is particularly relevant for maintenance visits, AOG situations, and long-term aircraft positioning.
Air Navigation and Overflight Charges
Aircraft transiting Syrian airspace without landing are subject to air navigation service charges and overflight fees.
Under the latest GACA update:
A flat overflight charge of USD 430 is applied for each aircraft transiting Syrian airspace.
These charges cover:
Air Traffic Control (ATC) services
Air navigation support
En-route communication and surveillance services
Associated aviation facilities within Syrian FIR
This updated fee structure simplifies cost forecasting for operators conducting overflights through Syrian airspace corridors.
Airport Lighting Charges
Aircraft requiring airport lighting systems during arrivals or departures are subject to an additional charge of:
USD 200 per operation whenever airport lighting is required, whether during day or night operations.
This may apply during:
Low visibility conditions
Operational lighting requirements
Night operations
Special procedures requiring full airfield lighting activation
Reduced Charges and Exemptions
The new GACA resolution also provides certain reductions and exemptions applicable to specific categories of operations.
50% Reductions Apply To:
Syrian national carriers operating domestic flights
Syrian-registered private aircraft
Foreign aircraft operating domestic sectors within Syria
Training and test flights conducted for licensing or technical evaluation purposes
Payment and Operational Compliance
All aviation charges are payable in USD or the equivalent amount in EUR.
Failure to settle outstanding charges may result in:
Delays in permit issuance
Suspension of overflight or landing approvals
Operational restrictions imposed by Syrian authorities
For this reason, most international operators rely on experienced local handlers to coordinate and settle all aviation-related charges directly with GACA.
First Aero Services-FAS I Your Trusted Ground Handling Partner in Syria
With nearly two decades of operational experience in Syria, First Aero Services remains one of the country’s most experienced and reliable aviation support providers.
Established in 2005, First Aero Services, a one-stop service provider, specializes in:
Ground handling
Aircraft fueling
Overflight and landing permit processing
Air navigation charge management
Airport operational support
VIP and executive aviation services
HOTAC and catering arrangement
Transportation from/to the airport to/from hotels.
Operating with extensive local expertise and full operational capabilities at Damascus International Airport, First Aero Services continues to support airlines and operators with efficient, reliable, and professional aviation solutions across the Syrian Arab Republic.
For more information, please feel free to contact FIRST AERO SERVICES, 24/7 Ops at: