Emirates Resumes Flights to Damascus After 12-Year Hiatus

Emirates is set to restart flights to Damascus on July 16th, marking its return to Syria’s capital for the first time since suspending operations in 2012.

Initially offering three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, the airline will add a Saturday flight from August 2nd before moving to daily service starting October 26th. Flights will depart Dubai at 12:00 and return from Damascus at 16:30, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR.

“Re-establishing air travel and connectivity is good news for our customers that make up the expansive Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe and the GCC, who are eager to fly back home and reconnect to their roots, and leverage their knowledge, skills, expertise and resources in ongoing development efforts,” His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, tells SceneTraveller.

The airline’s codeshare with flydubai will enhance connectivity, while officials expect the flights to further boost bilateral ties and the growing USD 680 million trade relationship between the UAE and Syria.