The Syrian Arab Airlines officially announced the resumption of direct flights between Syria and the United Arab Emirates, starting on Sunday, April 20, 2025. This significant development comes after a period of suspended flights due to various geopolitical factors affecting the region.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the airline shared the news via its official Facebook page, stating that it will begin flights to and from Dubai and Sharjah as part of an initial phase. The airline plans to operate four flights weekly between the Syrian capital, Damascus, and the Emirati city of Dubai, with aspirations to increase the frequency to seven flights in the near future.
Flights between Damascus and Sharjah will be scheduled on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, with a goal of eventually providing daily service. Additionally, flights to Abu Dhabi are set for Tuesdays and Fridays, according to the airline's announcement. The airline also expressed its commitment to adding more flights "as soon as possible," pending the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
This agreement to resume flights was announced by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani on Sunday, April 13, 2025, during a meeting with UAE officials. The discussions took place on the sidelines of a visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara to the UAE, where he met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The resumption of flights marks a notable step in the diplomatic relations between Syria and the UAE, which have been developing amid efforts to normalize ties following years of conflict and instability in the region. The UAE has been one of the few Arab nations to maintain a dialogue with the Syrian government since the onset of the Syrian civil war.
Travelers can expect a renewed connection between the two countries, which could facilitate not only tourism but also business opportunities and family reunifications. The Syrian Arab Airlines aims to provide a reliable service that meets the needs of travelers eager to reconnect with friends and family across borders.
The announcement has been met with optimism from both governments and citizens, as it symbolizes a potential thawing of relations and an opening for further cooperation. The resumption of flights is seen as a positive sign for the future of Syrian aviation and its ability to connect with the broader Arab world.
As the airline prepares for its inaugural flights, it is also focusing on ensuring passenger safety and comfort, adhering to international aviation standards and protocols. The airline has committed to implementing health and safety measures to reassure travelers, particularly in light of ongoing global health concerns.
In summary, the Syrian Arab Airlines' announcement of resumed flights to the UAE represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild ties between Syria and its Arab neighbors. With the first flights set to take off on April 20, both nations are looking forward to a future of increased connectivity and cooperation.
