Summary of needs
Latest Logistics Gaps and Needs Analysis highlight an increasing need to reinforce logistics coordination in Syria as the number of humanitarian actors has more than doubled, creating greater operational complexity. Humanitarian organizations require a predictable platform to navigate evolving government procedures, prevent duplication, and ensure consistent operational guidance. Significant information management gaps persist, particularly the lack of consolidated, up‑to‑date data on market capacities, service providers, transport corridors, and regulatory requirements. These gaps hinder effective planning and affect organizations facing unclear documentation processes and frequent procedural changes.
For air transport, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) continues to serve as a critical enabler of humanitarian access, ensuring that staff can move between operational hubs while mitigating the significant risks posed by long road travel and access constraints. With growing demand for air services and the gradual reopening of airports across Syria, UNHAS will ensure uninterrupted access for humanitarian partners and to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness. The number of registered humanitarian users has increased, reflecting expanded field activities, heightened operational needs, and a rising dependence on UNHAS as the safest and most efficient mode of movement.
Response strategy
Humanitarian logistics community emphasized the need for sustained logistics coordination and strengthened information management systems to maintain operational continuity. A centralized logistics coordination and IM structure in Damascus remains essential to support reliable communication, and timely access to logistics information across the response. The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) Syria remains an essential pillar of the humanitarian response, providing safe, reliable, and predictable air transport for humanitarian personnel and light humanitarian cargo.
Key Activities:
- Maintain a fully functioning logistics coordination and information management cell in Damascus as the central platform for partner engagement and operational support.
- Facilitate regular coordination meetings and technical consultations to discuss logistics issues, exchange updates, and promote harmonized practices across the response.
- Produce and disseminate logistics information products, including LOGIE updates, guidance notes, and operational snapshots, to strengthen visibility and support informed decision‑making.
- WFP provides On-Demand Supply Chain Services to partners on cost-recovery basis.
- UNHAS in Syria continues to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable air transport to enable humanitarian partners to reach populations in need across the country.
- UNHAS convenes Steering Committee meetings twice a year to provide overall strategic guidance for the operation of the service. In addition, monthly UNHAS User Group meetings are held to offer a platform for partners to share their needs, feedback, and operational priorities.
Cost of response
To ensure operational readiness across Syria, including newly reopened or highpriority locations, UNHAS must cover essential fixed costs, regardless of passenger load or flight frequency. In alignment with WFP’s costefficiency commitments, scheduled air operations for the 2026 period will continue to be implemented under the established costrecovery mechanism. This approach supports the longterm financial sustainability of the service while ensuring continuity of humanitarian air access for organizations operating in Syria.