Emirates has officially resumed flights to Damascus after more than a decade, re-establishing air connectivity between the UAE and Syria as the region sees renewed economic and diplomatic momentum.
Flight EK913 landed at Damascus International Airport at 14:30 local time, carrying 286 passengers. The aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute, marking the airline’s return to the Syrian capital for the first time since operations were suspended in 2012.
A high-level delegation led by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, was aboard the inaugural flight. Emirates executives, including Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and COO, and Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional SVP of International Affairs, joined the ceremony alongside senior officials from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Police, and Emirates Group.
The aircraft was welcomed by Syrian officials, including Hasan Ahmed Al Shehhi, UAE Ambassador to Syria, and senior representatives from Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Damascus International Airport.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the return of Emirates to Damascus. By connecting Syria to nearly 150 destinations, we aim to facilitate tourism, trade and investment and support the country’s recovery,” said Adil Al Ghaith, SVP Commercial Operations (Centre), Emirates.
The relaunch was commemorated with a cake-cutting and gift exchange ceremony between UAE and Syrian dignitaries.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Emirates will operate three weekly flights to Damascus on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. The frequency will increase to four flights a week starting August 2, followed by daily service from October 26. The airline will also leverage its codeshare with flydubai to enhance regional connectivity.
“Through high-level coordination and shared vision, teams from Syria and the UAE met all requirements to resume air operations, reflecting the strength of bilateral ties and economic cooperation,” said Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Emirates first launched services to Damascus in 1988 and carried over 2.1 million passengers before suspending operations in 2012 due to concerns related to the conflict.
With this return, Emirates resumes flights to Damascus as part of its broader strategy to expand regional routes. The airline currently operates 194 weekly flights to 14 cities across the Middle East and GCC, reaffirming its role in regional aviation recovery and trade integration.
–Input WAM
