The Syrian Aviation Corporation announced the resumption of direct flights between Syria and the Emirates, starting on Sunday, April 20, 2025, after years of suspension. This development is viewed as a significant step towards reintegrating Damascus into the Arab community and alleviating the political and economic isolation that has persisted due to years of war and international sanctions.
According to an official statement from "Syrian Airlines" shared on their Facebook page, the initial phase of operations will include regular flights to Dubai and Sharjah, with plans to gradually increase the frequency of these flights, including additional routes to Abu Dhabi. Specifically, there will be four weekly flights between Damascus and Dubai, three flights to Sharjah, and two flights to Abu Dhabi, with intentions to soon boost the number to daily flights.
This announcement follows a recent official visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Share to the UAE, marking the first such visit since he assumed power in January 2025. This visit was part of a regional tour that included several Arab capitals, aimed at restoring Syria's position within its political and economic environment after years of estrangement and tension.
In the context of these developments, the UAE is emerging as a key player seeking to enhance its economic and political presence in the Syrian file. According to diplomatic sources, President al-Share's recent discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation, particularly in the sectors of energy, transportation, and reconstruction.
Damascus views Abu Dhabi as a reliable economic partner that can contribute to revitalizing its faltering economy by opening the door to Gulf investments and creating a political climate conducive to gradually lifting or easing Western sanctions. Meanwhile, the UAE appears ready to act as a mediator between Syria and Western nations, leveraging its extensive international relationships and ability to manage regional balances.
Reports indicate a growing Emirati interest in participating in major infrastructure projects in Syria, including airports, ports, and solar energy initiatives, alongside a clear desire to support the air transport sector as a symbolic step toward further openness.
These developments come after a significant political shift in Syria at the end of 2024, when Syrian factions ended the Baath Party's dominance in Damascus after over six decades and ousted the Assad family's rule, which had lasted more than half a century. Since taking office, President al-Share's transitional government has been working to adopt a balanced foreign policy aimed at regaining the trust of neighboring Arab nations and opening a new chapter with the international community.
Observers note that the resumption of direct flights between Damascus and Emirati cities is not merely a technical development in the transportation sector but a calculated step within a strategic vision aimed at breaking the isolation and preparing the ground for a new phase of political and economic openness, especially as Western sanctions continue to pose the greatest challenge to Syria's restoration of its natural regional role.
On April 14, 2025, the UAE's General Authority for Civil Aviation announced the resumption of air flights between the Emirates and Syria. The authority is currently coordinating efforts to complete the necessary procedures to resume flights, which will enhance air traffic and support the movement of travelers and cargo between the two nations.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the "ICAO Facilitation 2025" conference in Doha, Syrian Minister of Transport Zuhair Khazim met with his Emirati counterpart Saif al-Suwaidi to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in civil aviation between the two countries.
The return of air travel between Syria and the Emirates comes just months after all flights were suspended following the ousting of the previous regime in December 2024. The resumption of operations at Damascus International Airport is set to begin on Sunday, January 7, 2025, after a comprehensive rehabilitation following the regime's fall. Qatar Airways has already resumed direct flights from Doha to Damascus after a 13-year hiatus, currently operating three weekly flights.
In summary, the resumption of direct flights between Syria and the Emirates symbolizes a new chapter in Syrian foreign relations, as the country seeks to re-establish itself in the Arab world and recover from years of isolation. This move not only reflects the changing political landscape in Syria but also indicates a broader trend of re-engagement with the Arab community, as the new government under President al-Share aims to foster economic recovery and political stability.
With these flights set to commence, many are watching closely to see how this will impact Syria's relationships within the region and if it will pave the way for further diplomatic and economic advancements.
