Emirates Airlines Resumes Flights to Damascus After 14 Years

Emirates Airlines has made a significant return to Syria’s capital, Damascus, after a 14-year hiatus due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. The airline had initially started its services to the city in 1988 but had to stop operations in 2012 because of the escalating conflict. This is a notable development, as Syria’s infrastructure is still recovering from years of war.

On Wednesday, Emirates Flight EK913 landed at Damascus International Airport, marking the airline’s return to Syria. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200LR, touched down with 286 passengers on board, and the arrival was celebrated with a traditional water cannon salute. This marks a fresh start for Syria’s air travel and signals a more hopeful future for the country.

Resumption of Flights to Damascus

The flight service from Dubai to Damascus is part of Emirates’ broader goal of reestablishing connections with cities in the Middle East and beyond. The airline announced the route just six weeks before it started operations, signaling how quickly the airline has moved to reconnect the two cities. Emirates will initially operate flights three times a week—on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. However, the plan is to increase the frequency to daily flights starting in October, as part of their winter schedule.

Emirates’ return to Syria comes at a time when the country is trying to rebuild after years of devastating civil war. A growing number of airlines are now returning to Syria, particularly after the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in 2023, which has helped ease international sanctions and led to improvements in the country's political situation.

Challenges in Rebuilding Syria’s Air Infrastructure

However, Syria's air infrastructure still faces significant challenges. The country is still trying to restore its airport facilities and operations after the war's impact. For example, on the very day that Emirates’ flight landed, Israeli jets conducted airstrikes near Damascus’ Defence Ministry, just a few miles from where the Emirates flight was taxiing. This highlights the ongoing security risks that airlines and passengers face while operating in Syria.

Damascus International Airport itself was damaged several times during the war, including by Israeli military actions, which hit the runway. In response, Turkey has sent a team to help restore the airport. This team is working on improving airport security and installing essential devices, such as x-ray machines and metal detectors, to ensure passenger safety.

Emirates’ Role in Reconnecting Syria to the World

Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Adil Al Ghaith, emphasized that the airline’s return to Syria is not only about business. It is also a vital move to reconnect families and friends who have been separated for many years due to the war. He mentioned that Emirates’ services would support tourism, trade, and investment, which are all crucial for Syria’s recovery. By connecting Syria to over 150 destinations around the world, Emirates hopes to play an essential role in the country’s rebuilding process.

Since the civil war's end, international traffic to Syria has been increasing. Damascus has seen a steady growth in international flights, with 11 airlines now operating regularly in and out of the country. This is a big improvement compared to just a year ago when only three airlines were flying into Syria.

New International Connections to Damascus

Among the airlines returning to Syria, Emirates has become one of the most significant players, especially with its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Emirates' return is closely followed by flydubai, which began twice-daily flights to Damascus on June 1. The UAE is now the main international gateway to Syria, surpassing other countries like Turkey, which previously had the most flights to Syria.

In terms of routes, the most popular destination from Damascus is Sharjah, which is served by both Air Arabia and Syrian Air. The addition of Emirates' Boeing 777s and flydubai’s Boeing 737 MAX 8s to the route to Dubai will further increase the UAE’s presence in Syria, making Dubai one of the most important international connections for the country.

More Airlines to Damascus

Other international airlines have also started operating flights to Syria. Saudi Arabian carrier Flynas began flying to Damascus last month, offering a daily route from Riyadh and three weekly flights from Jeddah. Additionally, Flyadeal, another Saudi airline, is expected to start flying to Syria later this year.

While the return of international flights to Damascus is encouraging, many countries are still cautious. For instance, some European countries and airlines remain hesitant to resume services to Syria. Europe’s aviation regulator, EASA, has warned airlines about the risks of flying over Syria, citing potential threats like misidentification of aircraft or intentional targeting.

Despite these challenges, some major international carriers, such as Lufthansa and Air France, have sent representatives to Damascus to assess the airport's conditions. However, neither airline has announced plans to return yet, preferring to wait and observe how airlines like Emirates handle the situation.

The Growing Role of Damascus as an International Hub

Emirates’ return to Damascus is an important milestone, not only for Syria but also for the broader Middle Eastern region. Damascus is gradually becoming more integrated into the global air network again. While much work remains to be done in terms of rebuilding infrastructure and restoring security, the steady return of airlines indicates that the situation is improving.

Currently, Damascus’ airport is served by a mix of regional and international airlines. The most notable addition is the Dubai-Damascus route, which is now served by both Emirates and flydubai. The UAE’s significant role in connecting Syria to the world is clear, and with the steady addition of flights, Damascus is slowly returning to its pre-conflict status as an international air hub.

A Long Road Ahead

The return of Emirates to Damascus is a hopeful sign for Syria’s recovery. Although the country still faces challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure and ensuring passenger safety, the increasing number of international flights reflects the positive developments in the region. As airlines like Emirates and flydubai continue to operate in and out of Syria, the country is gradually becoming more connected to the world, paving the way for its long-term recovery and rebuilding.