UAE to Resume Flights to Damascus Starting July 16

The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the resumption of its scheduled flights to Damascus, Syria, beginning July 16, 2025, marking a significant return to the Syrian capital after more than a decade of suspension.

The UAE-based airline suspended its operations to Damascus in 2012 due to the escalating conflict in Syria.

However, following a comprehensive assessment coordinated with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE has now confirmed the phased restoration of its Damascus route.

In the initial phase, the UAE will operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

Starting August 2, the schedule will expand to four flights per week with the addition of a Saturday service. The airline plans to further increase frequency to daily flights from October 26, 2025.

The UAE first launched its Damascus service in 1988 and had transported over 2.1 million passengers to and from Syria before suspending operations in 2012.

The return of these flights is expected to enhance regional connectivity and support the gradual reintegration of Syria into broader commercial aviation networks.

Syrian airports had largely halted operations following the collapse of national infrastructure during the country’s prolonged conflict. Most international connections were severed, leaving Syria largely isolated from the global air transport system.

However, the partial reopening of Damascus International Airport in December 2024 has paved the way for the return of foreign carriers, including the UAE.