Emirates Relaunches Flights to Damascus: A New Era for Syrian Air Travel and Tourism

Published on June 3, 2025

In a landmark development for Middle Eastern aviation, Emirates has announced the resumption of flights to Damascus, Syria, marking its return after a 13-year suspension. Starting July 16, 2025, the Dubai-based carrier will reconnect the United Arab Emirates and Syria through direct flights, supporting not just air travel but also diplomatic, cultural, and economic revival in the region.

This long-anticipated move comes after extensive coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and a comprehensive evaluation of operational conditions in Syria. With this strategic step, Emirates signals renewed confidence in Syria’s aviation infrastructure and the country’s potential for recovery and reintegration into the global travel network.

Initially operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, Emirates will deploy its Boeing 777-200LR, a 302-seat wide-body aircraft, offering passengers a full-service international travel experience. Flights will increase to four times weekly from August 2 and move to daily service by October 26, 2025, reflecting Emirates’ optimistic long-term commitment to the route.

The relaunch also plays a pivotal role in restoring regional connectivity, aligning with broader UAE policy efforts to foster diplomatic normalization and economic collaboration with Syria. The reintroduction of Emirates flights brings added convenience for passengers via codeshare connections with flydubai, enhancing access to nearly 150 global destinations.

For travelers, businesses, and the tourism industry, this announcement marks a crucial turning point. It not only strengthens air links but also sets the stage for cultural exchange, investment opportunities, and tourism development in a region that’s charting a new course toward stability and growth. As airlines reshape the future of air travel in the Middle East, Emirates’ return to Damascus stands as a beacon of transformation.

Flight Details and Schedule: A Gradual Return to Full Operations

Emirates is taking a measured approach to relaunching its Damascus route, emphasizing safety, reliability, and service quality.

Phase 1 – Initial Flights (Starting July 16, 2025):

• Three weekly flights: Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday
• Flight EK 913 departs Dubai (DXB) at 12:00 PM, arrives in Damascus (DAM) at 2:10 PM local time
• Return Flight EK 914 departs Damascus at 4:30 PM, landing in Dubai at 8:30 PM

Phase 2 – Expanded Service (From August 2, 2025):

• Saturday flight added, bringing the total to four flights per week

Phase 3 – Daily Operations (From October 26, 2025):

• Full daily service reestablished between Dubai and Damascus

These flights will be operated using the Boeing 777-200LR, offering:

• 302 seats including premium business class cabins
• Generous cargo capacity to support commercial trade
• Signature Emirates in-flight service, entertainment, and dining

Strategic Importance: Reconnecting Syria with the UAE and Beyond

The resumption of Emirates flights to Syria is more than a route reinstatement—it’s a symbol of reconnection and revival. Syria has been largely isolated from major international air networks since 2012 due to conflict and instability. Emirates’ return reflects:

• Improved political and aviation safety conditions
• A renewed diplomatic openness between Syria and UAE
• A broader strategy to revive tourism and economic activity

Key Benefits:

• Business travelers regain access to investment opportunities in Syria
• Syrian diaspora in the Gulf can visit home more easily
• Tourism professionals can develop new itineraries centered around Damascus, a city with immense historical and cultural significance

Tourism Development: Damascus Reenters the Global Travel Map

As Syria begins to rebuild, Damascus’ rich cultural and historical heritage is once again becoming accessible to global travelers.

Why Damascus Matters:

• One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world
• Home to iconic sites like the Umayyad Mosque, Souq al-Hamidiyah, and Old City gates
• A potential hub for Middle Eastern heritage tourism

Emirates’ reliable service can help reintroduce Damascus as a viable tourism destination, provided ongoing stabilization continues.

Economic Impact: Trade, Investment, and Logistics Opportunities

The Emirates service opens new pathways for bilateral trade and investment. According to UAE diplomatic initiatives, sectors like energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and construction in Syria are now poised for foreign interest.

Aviation and Trade Benefits:

• Expanded cargo capacity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Faster logistics and supply chain solutions between Syria and UAE
• Access to Emirates’ 150+ destinations, enabling Syrian products to reach global markets

This air corridor supports UAE’s long-term goals to strengthen economic ties with Syria while encouraging responsible foreign investment.

Codeshare with flydubai: More Flexibility, More Options

In addition to Emirates-operated services, passengers will benefit from codeshare connections with flydubai, offering:

• Increased frequency and flexibility in travel dates
• Easier interline ticketing across both carriers
• Shorter layovers and coordinated schedules

The combined network makes Damascus accessible from more cities, both within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond.

Passenger Experience: Emirates’ Signature Service Returns to Syria

Travelers flying this revived route can expect the hallmark Emirates experience, including:

• Award-winning in-flight entertainment (ICE)
• Multilingual cabin crew
• Regional meal options with halal-certified service
• Comfortable seating configurations for long-haul comfort

The Boeing 777-200LR used on the route also supports cargo services, which will benefit Syrian exporters and businesses seeking global reach.

Regional Aviation Landscape: A Changing Middle East

The reactivation of this route signals a broader shift in Middle Eastern aviation as airlines:

• Reassess suspended markets
• Balance diplomacy and commerce
• Support recovery in post-conflict regions

Emirates has been at the forefront of this change, with recent resumptions to Iran, Iraq, and Madagascar—demonstrating a clear growth strategy anchored in diplomacy and demand.

What This Means for the Global Travel Industry

This route revival may pave the way for:

• Other international carriers to reconsider Syrian services
• The restoration of regional travel corridors
• Increased tourism cooperation between Syria and Gulf countries

The ripple effects of Emirates’ move are likely to influence tour operators, hotel developers, and infrastructure investors monitoring the region’s potential.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Optimism

While the move is promising, success will depend on:

• Continued stability and safety assurance within Syria
• Infrastructure readiness at Damascus International Airport
• Consistent demand from travelers and businesses

Still, industry insiders are cautiously optimistic. With Emirates leading the charge, Syria’s reemergence on the global travel stage appears not only possible—but likely.

Conclusion: A Flight Toward Renewal

The return of Emirates flights to Damascus marks a powerful chapter in post-conflict recovery, tourism revival, and international aviation. As Emirates reconnects the UAE and Syria, this move reflects a broader vision of rebuilding through connectivity.

For travelers seeking new destinations, for Syrian families separated by borders, and for businesses ready to explore untapped markets, this flight corridor is far more than a convenience—it’s a pathway to progress.