Romanian carrier Dan Air is set to become the first European Union-based airline to offer service to Syria following the ousting of longtime President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The Bucharest-headquartered airline, which began scheduled operations under its own brand in June 2023, plans to offer four routes to Damascus from destinations in Germany, Romania, and Sweden.
Dan Air will become the fourth international carrier currently serving Syria, joining Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, and Turkish Airlines. According to the airline’s booking system, flights from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport to Damascus International Airport will begin on June 15, 2025, operating six times per week with Airbus A320 aircraft. Additional routes from Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Berlin Brandenburg Airport are set to launch on June 15, 16, and 17, respectively, each operating twice a week.
“Aviation should connect, not isolate,” Dan Air CEO Matt Ian David says. “Syria has a real need for connectivity, and we chose to respond with professionalism and responsibility. We’re proud to operate these routes under strict international safety and security standards.”
Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, and Turkish Airlines each resumed flights to Syria in January 2025. Qatar Airways currently operates 10 flights weekly from Doha to Damascus, while Turkish Airlines serves the Syrian capital daily. Royal Jordanian offers 11 flights weekly from Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport to Damascus and on May 6, 2025, resumed a route to Aleppo, flying three times per week.
Syria’s return to the international air transport map follows more than a decade of civil war, which began in 2011 as part of the broader Arab Spring uprisings. Assad’s government, long accused of human rights abuses and repression, was largely isolated on the world stage for years, with most international airlines suspending operations to Syria. His removal from power in late 2024, following renewed international pressure and a negotiated political settlement, has prompted cautious steps toward reintegration, including the reopening of some diplomatic ties and the gradual resumption of air service by regional carriers.
To support this, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in March signed a Management Service Agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation aimed at rebuilding the country’s aviation sector to meet global safety and regulatory standards.
Dan Air's new services to Syria will include four routes that will connect Europe with Damascus, the Syrian capital. Beginning on June 15, 2025, flights will operate six times per week between Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and Damascus International Airport, with Airbus A320 aircraft providing the transport. This strategic expansion into Syria is significant, not just for Dan Air’s growth, but for Syria’s recovery as well, offering the country renewed air links to Europe.
In addition to the Bucharest service, Dan Air will also introduce flights from Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Berlin Brandenburg Airport. These new connections will further enhance accessibility for both business and leisure travelers looking to reconnect with Syria after years of disruption. Each of these new routes will operate twice a week, starting on June 15, 16, and 17, respectively.
As one of the few airlines to offer regular international service to Syria, Dan Air’s CEO emphasized the airline’s role in restoring vital connections for the country. The airline stressed its commitment to professionalism and responsibility in navigating this challenging landscape, highlighting its focus on ensuring the highest international standards of safety and security.
The decision to reopen services to Syria follows a broader regional trend as other international airlines have resumed flights to the country in recent months. Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, and Turkish Airlines have all reintroduced services to Syria in early 2025. Qatar Airways currently operates 10 flights per week between Doha and Damascus, while Turkish Airlines runs daily services, and Royal Jordanian offers 11 weekly flights between Amman and Damascus. Additionally, Royal Jordanian has added a new route to Aleppo, which began on May 6, 2025, operating three times a week.
These airlines’ return to Syria has been a cautious step, following the political and diplomatic shifts that culminated in President Assad’s removal from office. The resumption of air travel to Syria signifies the country’s gradual reintegration into the international community after years of isolation.
Although the country is still recovering from the effects of the civil war, these steps demonstrate the international community’s readiness to engage with Syria again, cautiously and responsibly. The civil war, which lasted for over a decade, devastated Syria’s infrastructure, including its airports and airspace. Syria’s aviation sector is still in the process of rebuilding, with some airports and air traffic control systems needing significant upgrades.
For airlines like Dan Air, operating in this environment requires careful consideration of security, logistics, and political factors. Despite these challenges, the opportunity for growth is evident. As international flights gradually return to Syria, there is a renewed interest in the country as a potential hub for regional tourism and trade. The country’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for travelers from around the world.
Dan Air’s decision to initiate these routes is a key contribution to restoring Syria’s global connectivity, offering a lifeline to those seeking to travel to the country after years of restricted access. In this context, Dan Air is playing a pioneering role in providing direct, reliable access to Syria. With its focus on meeting international aviation standards, Dan Air is well-positioned to help Syria rebuild its aviation sector and facilitate the exchange of people, goods, and ideas between the Middle East and Europe.
Dan Air’s involvement in Syria’s aviation market is part of a broader effort to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and restore its position on the world stage. Airlines play a crucial role in this process, as they facilitate not only the movement of people but also the flow of ideas, culture, and commerce.
As Syria continues to recover, the resumption of air services will be a critical part of its economic revitalization, offering new opportunities for trade, tourism, and business collaborations. The resumption of international flights also holds significant social value for Syrians living abroad who wish to reconnect with family members, visit their homeland, or engage in humanitarian efforts.
For many, these flights represent the first opportunity to travel to Syria in over a decade, highlighting the importance of aviation in reconnecting the diaspora with their roots and enabling personal and professional exchanges.
Dan Air’s decision to begin services to Syria represents a pivotal moment in the airline’s history and an important milestone for Syria’s recovery. By becoming the first European Union-based airline to offer flights to Syria, Dan Air is playing a key role in the country’s gradual reintegration into the global aviation system. As more airlines follow suit, Syria will continue to rebuild its aviation infrastructure and restore its place in the international community.
