On January 1, 2025, Saudi authorities initiated an air bridge to Syria, delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, aimed at alleviating the dire conditions faced by the Syrian people.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center commenced this effort from King Khalid International Airport, marking the first wave of Saudi relief efforts for the Syrian people.

The aid, consisting of food, shelter, and medical supplies, is destined for Damascus International Airport, where it will assist those grappling with the severe hardships currently afflicting the nation.

Abdullah Al-Rubaie, the center's general supervisor, stated, "The air bridge that launched today will be followed by a ground bridge in the coming days, providing urgent relief to our Syrian brothers."

Earlier in December 2024, a high-level Saudi government delegation visited Damascus, where they met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad Al-Shara. In a recent interview with Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya, Al-Shara described Syria as a "disaster-stricken country," highlighting the devastation of infrastructure after more than a decade of conflict.

The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has precipitated a collapse of the healthcare system, with the World Health Organization reporting that approximately half of Syria's hospitals are no longer operational.

On December 8, 2024, opposition factions seized control of Damascus, marking the end of over five decades of rule by the Assad family.