Damascus, June 8 (SANA) The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced on Sunday the temporary closure of Syria’s southern air corridors for 12 hours, effective from 11:00 p.m. Sunday until 11:00 a.m. Monday.
The Authority said the measure also includes the suspension of operational activities at Damascus International Airport during the closure period.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Authority explained that the decision was taken in light of recent regional developments and ongoing technical assessments conducted by the specialized risk-management committee.
It added that the measure follows a comprehensive technical evaluation and was coordinated with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of air navigation and flight operations in accordance with internationally recognized standards.
The decision comes amid developments related to the conflict between Iran and Israel, following reports that Iranian forces launched a number of missiles toward Israel on Sunday evening.
As a result of the temporary aviation restrictions, the Hajj and Umrah Administration at the Ministry of Awqaf announced the postponement of all flights scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, to transport Syrian pilgrims from Medina to Aleppo and Damascus airports until further notice.
In a statement issued Sunday , the Administration said the postponement was made in response to the current circumstances and in accordance with instructions issued by the civil aviation authorities in both the Syrian Arab Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the safety of pilgrims remaining the primary consideration.
The Administration added that all necessary services would be provided to pilgrims during the postponement period and that they would be informed of new flight schedules or approved alternatives as soon as updates become available.
It also called on pilgrims to cooperate with supervisors and field committees and to rely solely on official channels for information regarding travel arrangements.
The first group of Syrian pilgrims returning from the holy sites arrived at Damascus International Airport last Monday aboard a Syrian Airlines flight from Jeddah carrying 134 pilgrims.
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