DUBAI— Emirates (EK) has officially resumed its flight operations to Damascus (DAM), Syria, reconnecting the “City of Jasmine” with its vast global network after a 13-year hiatus.
The inaugural flight EK913 landed at Damascus International Airport (DAM) from Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking the airline’s renewed presence in the Middle East.
The return flight, carrying 286 passengers, was ceremoniously welcomed with a water cannon salute and greeted by prominent UAE and Syrian officials. This milestone signifies a key step in restoring travel, trade, and tourism links between the UAE and Syria, enhancing regional connectivity.
Photo: Clément AlloingEmirates Returns to Syria
Emirates’ reinstatement of services to Damascus (DAM) underscores its commitment to re-establishing historical ties and enhancing mobility in the region.
The world’s largest international carrier suspended Syrian operations in 2012 due to the country’s civil conflict. Now, with improved diplomatic and aviation cooperation between the UAE and Syria, Emirates has successfully reinstated its route.
Flight EK913, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR, arrived at 2:30 PM local time, reviving Emirates’ connection to Syria that first began in 1988.
Senior UAE dignitaries and Emirates executives led the celebratory delegation onboard, including H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, alongside Emirates’ Deputy President and COO, Adel Al Redha.
At Damascus International Airport (DAM), high-profile Syrian officials such as H.E. Hasan Ahmed Al-Shehhi, UAE Ambassador to Syria, and Anis Fallouh, Director of Damascus International Airport, received the flight.
The event featured a ceremonial water salute, cake-cutting, and symbolic gift exchanges, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre) at Emirates, emphasized the importance of the resumption:
By reconnecting Damascus with nearly 150 destinations across six continents, we are facilitating reunions, trade, and tourism, contributing to Syria’s recovery and economic integration.”
Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre) at Emirates
Photo: Clément AlloingGradual Service Expansion
Initially, Emirates will operate flights to Damascus three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. The airline has announced plans to increase frequency to four flights per week starting August 2, 2025, with a Saturday service added.
By October 26, 2025, the airline intends to scale up to daily operations, subject to regulatory approvals and operational readiness.
Emirates’ Boeing 777-200LR deployed on this route is configured with 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 arrangement and 264 Economy Class seats, ensuring a premium and comfortable experience for passengers.
The resumption of service aligns with Emirates’ strategic focus on strengthening its Middle East network, where it currently serves 14 cities with 194 weekly flights.
Complementing this route, Emirates customers will benefit from the airline’s codeshare agreement with flydubai (FZ), enhancing connectivity options to and from Syria via the Dubai hub (DXB).
Emirates Boeing 777-300ER First Class; Photo- EmiratesElevated Passenger Experience on Board
Passengers traveling between Dubai (DXB) and Damascus (DAM) can experience Emirates’ award-winning hospitality and onboard services.
The in-flight dining includes signature mezze platters and a selection of local and international cuisines prepared by a global culinary team, incorporating authentic Syrian ingredients like tahini paste, red pepper paste, and olive oil.
Entertainment is equally rich with Emirates’ ice system, offering over 6,500 channels, including 650 Arabic programs.
Travelers can enjoy 41 Syrian drama series, such as Nafas, Bi Al Dam, and Tout Al Aswad, alongside a library of 380 Arabic films, including 51 new releases.
This cultural inclusion enriches the onboard experience, especially for passengers familiar with Syrian media.
Emirates and Syria’s Historic Connection
Emirates began flights to Damascus in 1988, facilitating economic, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Before halting operations in 2012, the airline had transported over 2.1 million passengers on the route, underlining the historic importance of this connection.
The UAE and Syria share longstanding diplomatic and economic relations. The re-establishment of flights reflects broader geopolitical efforts to rebuild these ties and promote regional stability.
Both the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority and UAE aviation bodies collaborated intensively to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards for the route’s reinstatement.
Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, commented:
The revival of Emirates flights to Damascus is the result of coordinated efforts between the Syrian and UAE authorities, reflecting a shared vision for renewed economic and fraternal bonds.”
Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation
Strengthening UAE-Syria Bilateral Relations
The ceremonial event also highlighted the broader diplomatic significance of the resumed flights.
The UAE has progressively restored formal ties with Syria in recent years, evident through diplomatic engagements and now direct air connectivity. This flight resumption is expected to bolster bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Additionally, Emirates’ return is poised to support Syrian diaspora communities, enabling easier travel for families and business professionals alike.
The availability of reliable international air links through Dubai (DXB) opens pathways for Syrians to access global markets and destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Photo: Clément AlloingGrowing Middle East Connectivity
Travelers can book flights to and from Damascus via Emirates’ official website, the App, contact centers, or accredited travel agents. The airline’s codeshare with flydubai provides passengers with flexible scheduling options, further connecting Damascus to the broader Emirates network through the Dubai hub.
With the gradual expansion to daily services, Emirates aims to offer consistent, convenient, and high-quality air travel between Syria and the rest of the world.
Emirates’ strategic decision to return to Syria reaffirms its leadership in the Middle East aviation sector. By expanding its presence in Damascus (DAM), the airline not only strengthens regional ties but also plays a pivotal role in Syria’s reconnection with the global community.
As the carrier grows its Middle East footprint, it continues to offer travelers a blend of superior service, cultural richness, and global reach, consolidating its position as a key enabler of international mobility and economic integration.
People on a Street Demonstration in Syria; Photo- PexelsSyria: One of the Most Dangerous Countries in the World
Syria remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to its volatile security situation, persistent terrorism threats, widespread crime, and humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing conflict, combined with a collapsed infrastructure and heightened political risks, makes travel to Syria extremely unsafe for foreign nationals.
Terrorist groups such as Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) and Hay’at Tahrir al Sham continue to operate across Syria, frequently executing attacks in major cities and conflict zones.
These attacks are often indiscriminate, targeting public transport hubs, markets, religious sites, government buildings, and places popular with foreigners. Methods include shootings, bombings, suicide attacks, and vehicle-borne explosives, causing mass casualties.
There is also a severe threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups, particularly targeting Westerners like journalists, aid workers, and business travelers. Hostages are often used for political leverage or ransom, and many have been killed.
Road travel is perilous due to poor infrastructure, frequent checkpoints, and the risk of accidents. Driving standards are low, and night travel is especially dangerous. Air travel options are limited, with sporadic closures of airports like Damascus (DAM) and Aleppo (ALP).
Additionally, Syria is prone to earthquakes, adding another layer of risk to an already unstable environment.
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