Türkiye Plans to Reopen Land Trade Corridor to Jordan and GCC via Syria by 2026

Türkiye has announced plans to reopen a historic land trade route connecting its territory to Jordan and GCC countries via Syria, according to media reports.

The resumption marks a major step toward reviving regional transport and economic integration across the Middle East, positioning itself as a regional transport hub, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

The corridor, closed for over a decade due to the Syria conflict and infrastructure damage, is expected to become fully operational in 2026, according to Ömer Bolat, Turkish Minister of Trade.

“The corridor will allow Turkish trucks to cross into Jordan and the Gulf after addressing shortcomings related to visas and rehabilitating overland roads inside Syria,” Bolat explained. He confirmed that Türkiye and Syria signed a road transport agreement in Istanbul on June 28, following discussions between their transport ministries.

The move follows progress between Jordan and Syria, whose Joint Technical Committee for Land Transport agreed in June to harmonize transit procedures and ease the movement of passengers, goods, and vehicles. The deal established reciprocity principles for customs and logistics, paving the way for regional integration.

Bolat noted that Turkish trucks have already begun crossing through Syria en route to Jordan and the Gulf, though some administrative and infrastructural challenges remain. “We are currently addressing remaining restrictions such as Syrian customs procedures, road repairs, and visa regulations,” he said, adding that he expects “the corridor to be fully operational in 2026.”

He also highlighted the enthusiasm the project has generated in Jordan. “The route runs from Jordan and Syria to Türkiye and from there to Europe, making it a vital two-way corridor for transport and trade,” he explained. “Its revival will have a positive impact on the peoples of the region in a short time.”