A historic milestone was reached on Sunday as a passenger flight from Syria landed in the UAE, signaling the official return of direct air travel between the two nations.
The Airbus A320-212, operated by Syria’s national airline Syrian Air, departed Damascus shortly after 7am and touched down at Dubai International Airport at 12:39pm, as confirmed by Dubai Airports and FlightRadar24.
Last week, Syrian Air confirmed the resumption of its direct services to Dubai and Sharjah starting Sunday. The airline also expressed intentions to increase flight frequency pending official approvals.
The General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE formally announced the reinstatement of flight routes with Syria on April 14.
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This development follows the first official visit of Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara to the UAE, where he met with President Sheikh Mohamed to discuss regional cooperation and Syria’s reconstruction efforts post-conflict.
President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized Syria’s significance to Middle Eastern stability, pledging that the UAE will continue to offer unwavering support in rebuilding and reintegration efforts.
Samih Arabi, Director General of Syrian Air, was aboard the inaugural Damascus to Dubai flight and remarked that the airline remains committed to reconnecting Syria with major travel hubs—especially those with strong Syrian communities like the UAE.
He noted the importance of this route for reuniting families and simplifying travel for Syrians residing in the Emirates.
While flights to Syria were suspended during the civil war, renewed diplomatic ties and leadership transitions have led to a gradual return of air services to the country.
“Restarting flights to the UAE is a significant move,” Mr. Arabi said. “It’s not only about connectivity—it’s about reconnecting families, supporting communities, and strengthening ties between our nations.”
