Damascus Loses Emirates Service Amid Suspension, Travelers Directed to Flydubai Alternatives

Published on November 14, 2025

Emirates has announced the suspension of its scheduled flights between Dubai and Damascus starting November 15, 2025. The airline confirmed that the suspension will continue until further notice. Passengers with tickets for travel after November 14 will be rebooked on alternative flights operated by flydubai, a partner airline in the Emirates group.

Impact on Tourists and Travel Routes

For many travelers, the reinstatement of Emirates flights to Damascus earlier this year marked a hopeful return to air connectivity between the UAE and Syria. The route had been suspended in 2012 due to the ongoing civil war. Emirates resumed flights to Syria earlier this year, signaling a cautious revival of travel between the two nations. This move followed the gradual return of several Gulf carriers to Syria, including Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai, all of which resumed or launched flights in the wake of improving regional ties.

This year’s return of major airlines like Emirates to Syria reflects the evolving regional dynamics. For tourists planning to visit Syria, the return of such services is significant. With Gulf carriers slowly returning to the region, travelers have greater access to destinations that were once off-limits. Emirates, alongside other Gulf carriers, played a key role in restarting connections between Syria and the Gulf region, offering both leisure and business travelers better connectivity.

What the Suspension Means for Travel to Syria

The suspension of Emirates flights to Damascus represents a shift in the region’s air travel landscape. While the airline has not provided a detailed explanation for the suspension, it is clear that operational and commercial conditions on the route are being closely monitored. For tourists, this means temporary disruption in the direct connection between Dubai and Damascus. While flydubai will continue to operate alternative flights, the sudden change may cause some inconvenience to passengers who were relying on the Emirates service for their travel plans.

As Syria’s tourism infrastructure begins to recover, many travelers had looked forward to visiting the country with the return of Gulf carriers. The suspension of Emirates flights may affect those planning to visit Syria’s cultural and historic sites. The situation also highlights the delicate balance between tourism, regional relations, and the realities of operating in an evolving political and economic landscape.

A Look Back at the Route’s Reinstatement

When Emirates resumed its flights to Damascus earlier this year, it symbolized a milestone in the gradual recovery of Syria’s tourism sector. The reintroduction of services came after a long hiatus, with the last Emirates flights to Syria operating more than a decade ago. This move was part of a broader trend of regional airlines reopening routes to Syria, underscoring the importance of air travel in rebuilding connections with international markets.

For travelers interested in visiting Syria, the resumption of these routes offered a glimmer of hope. Major Gulf carriers, including Emirates and Flydubai, began operating regular flights to Syria this year. This development was seen as a positive step towards rebuilding air travel access, offering tourists the opportunity to explore Syria’s ancient sites, such as Palmyra and the historic city of Aleppo.

However, the current suspension of flights serves as a reminder of the challenges that airlines face in the region. Despite positive developments in terms of regional cooperation, the operational landscape remains fluid, with airlines regularly adjusting services based on commercial viability and external factors. Travelers should stay informed on future developments, as further updates may be provided by Emirates as conditions evolve.

Regional Airlines Continue to Revive Connections

The return of Emirates and other Gulf carriers to Syria is part of a wider trend of reconnecting the country to international markets. Airlines like Flynas and Flyadeal, both based in Saudi Arabia, have already launched or announced plans to introduce new routes to Syria. This increase in flights offers more options for travelers wishing to explore Syria’s rich history and culture.

Despite the challenges of operating in a region with ongoing geopolitical sensitivities, the return of major international airlines to Syria highlights a growing interest in tourism and regional connectivity. This change also signals the gradual normalization of travel options to and from Syria, making the country more accessible for global tourists and business travelers alike.

Overview

The suspension of Emirates flights to Damascus, while temporary, underscores the dynamic and shifting nature of international air travel. For travelers, the decision serves as a reminder that flight schedules and routes can change rapidly, especially in regions with evolving political and commercial conditions. Despite the current setback, airlines like flydubai continue to serve as vital links for travelers looking to visit Syria, ensuring that tourism in the region remains viable.

As the situation develops, travelers will need to remain flexible in their travel plans. The continued monitoring of operational conditions by Emirates and other Gulf carriers will be crucial in shaping the future of tourism and air travel to Syria. For now, passengers should look for alternative routes and stay updated on further announcements regarding the resumption of Emirates flights.

Image Source: AI