JEDDAH: The UAE is set to reestablish air links with Syria, announcing the resumption of flights after more than a decade-long suspension, according to the country’s official news agency.
Flights between the UAE and Syria were halted in 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. Both Emirates and Etihad Airways suspended their operations to Damascus due to rising security concerns, in alignment with broader regional moves at the time.
In a shift that began in December 2018, the UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus — an early signal of thawing relations. The country’s aviation authority subsequently announced it was exploring the possibility of restarting flights. However, at the time, both Emirates and Etihad maintained that they had no immediate plans to resume service, while continuing to monitor the situation.
Syria’s main international airport in Damascus resumed international flights on Jan. 7, marking the first commercial operation since opposition forces ousted Bashar Al-Assad the previous month.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that coordination is currently underway to finalize the procedures necessary for reestablishing direct flights. The move is aimed at enhancing air connectivity and facilitating the flow of passengers and cargo, WAM reported.
This decision is part of a broader regional trend of Arab nations re-engaging with Syria.
In January, Saudi Arabia resumed commercial flights and launched an air bridge to deliver critical humanitarian aid, supporting reconstruction efforts under Syria’s new leadership. On March 19, the Kingdom inaugurated a direct route from Dammam—the first in 13 years—serving more than 2.5 million Syrian residents in Saudi Arabia and helping reunite families.
Qatar Airways followed suit on April 15, reinstating its service to Damascus after nearly 13 years. The airline now offers three weekly flights, signaling a significant step toward the normalization of travel and trade.
In parallel, Syria’s new government has ramped up diplomatic outreach, with Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani visiting several regional capitals, including Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, in efforts to restore ties and attract support for rebuilding the country.
