Transport
From The Report: Syria 2026
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Syria’s transport network is beginning to enter a period of reconstruction in which restoring connectivity is as important as expanding capacity. Roads, railways, ports, airports and border facilities underpin domestic commerce while linking production centres to neighbouring markets and Mediterranean trade routes. With large parts of the infrastructure base in disrepair or inoperative, current priorities centre on rehabilitation, regulatory reform, and the mobilisation of private and development finance to re-establish Syria’s regional transit role. Ports and airports are attracting private investment while digital freight systems are gaining ground.

This chapter features insights from both Khaled Toumeh and Fahad Al Banna.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Routes reopened: Infrastructure renewal, reform and private participation are creating opportunities across key logistics corridors
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Syria’s transport network is entering a period of reconstruction in which restoring connectivity is as important as expanding capacity. Roads, railways, ports, airports and border facilities underpin domestic commerce while linking production centres to neighbouring markets and Mediterranean trade routes. With large parts of the infrastructure base in disrepair or inoperative, current priorities centre on rehabilitation, regulatory reform, and the mobilisation of private and development finance to re-establish Syria’s regional transit role. Structure & Oversight The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is seeking to reshape a governance model…

Analysis

Overland shift: Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could create new logistics opportunities for regional players
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Supply chain disruptions have historically accelerated infrastructure investment and regional economic integration that might otherwise have taken decades to materialise. The reduction in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the Iran conflict proved no exception. Roughly 20% of global oil trade passes through the Strait each day, alongside a significant share of non-oil commodities, including around 30% of the world’s maritime fertiliser supply. With maritime traffic now severely curtailed, attention is shifting to overland alternatives and the role that Syria and Jordan could play in providing them. Alternatives The…

Interview

Fair winds: Khaled Toumeh, CEO, Athenai Services, on how the maritime industry can contribute to economic recovery
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Interview: Khaled Toumeh, CEO, Athenai Services, on how the maritime industry can contribute to economic recovery How can Syria rebuild its maritime and logistics sectors to support long-term economic recovery? KHALED TOUMEH: Syria’s geographic position gives it the potential to reconnect Asia, Europe, the Gulf and neighbouring markets through the eastern Mediterranean. However, this advantage will only translate into trade if ports, inland transport and commercial services operate as one integrated…

Interview

Modernising the port: Fahad Al Banna, CEO, DP World Tartous, on infrastructure, efficiency and improving the Port of Tartous
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Interview: Fahad Al Banna, CEO, DP World Tartous, on infrastructure, efficiency and improving the Port of Tartous Which infrastructure and network priorities would most rapidly improve the Port of Tartous and reduce Syria’s end-to-end trade costs? FAHAD AL BANNA: The modernisation of the Port of Tartous requires coordinated investment in marine infrastructure, cargo-handling equipment, technology and operational performance. DP World is planning to invest $800m over the 30-year concession period.…