Emirates to Resume Flights to Damascus from July 16, Reconnecting UAE and Syria After 13 Years

Emirates Airline has announced the resumption of flights to Damascus, Syria, starting 16 July 2025, marking a significant step in restoring air connectivity between the UAE and Syria after more than a decade. The airline had suspended its services to the Syrian capital in 2012 due to regional instability.

The reintroduction follows a comprehensive evaluation in coordination with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and aims to support Syria’s economic recovery, foster bilateral ties, and facilitate travel for the large Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe, and the GCC.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft

Initially, Emirates will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, departing from Dubai at 12:00 PM (EK 913) and arriving in Damascus at 2:10 PM local time. The return flight, EK 914, will depart Damascus at 4:30 PM, landing in Dubai at 8:30 PM local time.

• From 2 August, a Saturday flight will be added, bringing the total to four weekly services.

• Daily flights will commence from 26 October 2025, depending on operational readiness and demand.

The route will be served by a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, offering 38 Business Class seats and 264 Economy Class seats. Business Class will feature a 2-2-2 layout, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Economic and Diplomatic Impact

This move is seen as a boost to Syria’s efforts to rebuild and attract foreign investment, particularly in key sectors such as construction, energy, and agriculture. The restored air link will also promote trade, which saw a 23% increase in UAE-Syria trade volume in 2024, reaching $680 million (AED 2.5 billion).

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, said:

“Emirates is pleased to restart operations to Damascus and support Syria’s road ahead by providing better choice and connectivity, essential economic links for inwards investment as well as opening new trade lanes and global market access for the country.”

He also emphasized the importance of reconnecting the 350,000+ Syrian nationals living in the UAE, many of whom have contributed significantly to the nation's growth through entrepreneurship and professional expertise.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

Passengers flying on the renewed Damascus route can expect Emirates' award-winning inflight experience, including:

• Levantine-inspired cuisine

• A wide selection of premium beverages

• 6,500+ channels of inflight entertainment via ice, with over 650 Arabic language options across movies, music, TV, and more

Additionally, Emirates customers will benefit from the airline’s codeshare partnership with flydubai, enhancing travel flexibility and connectivity through complementary schedules.

Legacy and Expansion

Emirates originally launched operations to Damascus in 1988 and had transported over 2.1 million passengers before halting service in 2012. With the resumption, Damascus will become the airline’s 14th destination in the Middle East, contributing to its 191 weekly flights across the region.

The return of Emirates to Damascus highlights both the strategic and symbolic importance of reestablishing air travel ties and supports the broader vision of regional reintegration and economic revival.