Key Takeaways
• Dan Air launches direct flights from Europe to Damascus, Syria, beginning June 15, 2025, after years of isolation.
• Routes include Bucharest, Stockholm, Berlin, and Frankfurt, enhancing travel options for Syrians and Europeans alike.
• ICAO and bilateral agreements ensure international safety standards as Syria reopens to EU air travel.
Romanian airline Dan Air is set to make history in June 2025 as the first European Union airline to operate direct scheduled flights to Syria 🇸🇾 since the country’s long period of isolation. This major development comes after the political changes in Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024. The move is an important moment for both Syria and international travel, as it marks a step forward in Syria’s efforts to reconnect with the world after the civil war that began in 2011.
Dan Air’s New Routes: Connecting Europe and Damascus
Dan Air, which is headquartered in Romania 🇷🇴, will start four new routes linking Damascus with several key European cities. Travelers will see these direct connections for the first time in over a decade:
- Bucharest to Damascus: Starting June 15, 2025, six flights per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Flights use the Airbus A320, with a seating capacity of 180.
- Damascus to Stockholm: Also starting on June 15, 2025, with two flights each week (Wednesday and Sunday).
- Damascus to Berlin: Beginning June 17, 2025, with flights available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Damascus to Frankfurt: Launching June 16, 2025, with trips on Mondays and Fridays.
These flights were made possible because Romania 🇷🇴 and Syria 🇸🇾 signed special agreements, allowing Dan Air to operate in Syria. Romania’s Ministry of Transport gave Dan Air official approval at the end of March 2025, followed by final clearance from Syrian aviation authorities in late April.
Reconnecting Syria with the World
According to Dan Air’s CEO, Matt Ian David, “Aviation should connect, not isolate” and “Syria has a real need for connectivity.” This reflects how important these routes are—not just for the airline but for Syrians and international travelers alike. The start of these flights means people can visit family, do business, or even seek education abroad more easily once again.
Before this change, only three international airlines were flying to Syria by 2025:
– Qatar Airways: Ten flights each week from Doha.
– Turkish Airlines: Daily flights.
– Royal Jordanian: Eleven flights weekly from Amman, plus three flights a week to Aleppo since May 2025.
The addition of Dan Air’s flights means more options and flexibility for people wanting to move between Europe and Syria.
A Landmark Step for the Airline and Syria
Dan Air itself is a relatively new but growing airline. Founded in 2017 by Captain Dan Iuhas, it has already carried over four million passengers. The company only started using its own name and brand in June 2023. Expanding into Syria is a big move for the airline. It gives Dan Air a special role as a leader in reopening international links to Syria at a very important time.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Dan Air’s presence in Syria comes as the country works toward rebuilding and moving out of years of war and closed borders. Syrians living in Europe will now have more direct routes to visit home, and European travelers will find it easier to access Syria’s capital, Damascus. These direct flights also pave the way for businessmen, students, aid workers, and tourists to travel back and forth without major layovers or complicated transfers.
International Efforts to Support Syrian Aviation
This change is about more than just flights. It is also about Syria 🇸🇾 rebuilding its place in the international travel system. In March 2025, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) signed a special service agreement with Syria’s main civil aviation authority. The purpose of this agreement is to help Syria meet global safety and regulatory standards. In simple terms, this means making sure Syrian airports, airplanes, and staff follow the safety rules that are standard in the rest of the world. Passengers will want to know that these standards are being met as direct flights resume.
Immigration, Relocation, and Family Reunification
For many people, Dan Air’s new routes could mean the chance to see relatives again for the first time in years. The Syrian civil war forced millions to leave their homeland. Many settled in Europe—including Romania 🇷🇴, Germany 🇩🇪, Sweden 🇸🇪, and other major hubs now connected by Dan Air flights.
The quick and reliable flights between Damascus and European cities remove common barriers to travel. Instead of relying on complicated multi-leg journeys or limited airline options, travelers can now book direct flights. This does not just affect tourists or businesspeople; it also benefits families separated by the war and border closures. Students in Europe can return home for visits, and family members can travel to Europe more easily, when allowed by the immigration policies of each country.
Economic Benefits and Opportunities
The reopening of direct air links will likely bring strong economic benefits for both Syria 🇸🇾 and its new airline partners. Airlines stand to gain from a new market and increased passenger flow, while Syrian businesses can take advantage of easier trading and access to European markets. More importantly, Syria’s cities, especially Damascus, could see more visitors and the return of foreign investment.
Many countries have strict entry requirements, and all travelers should check the guidance for visas and documents before planning trips. Official information is available for those traveling to or from Syria directly from government websites, such as the Romanian Ministry of Transport. These sites offer updates about which documents are needed for travel and what steps to take.
Safety, Regulations, and Aviation Standards
Safety remains a major focus as international flights return. As part of the new arrangements, Dan Air must follow both European and Syrian rules about crew training, airplane maintenance, passenger rights, and emergency procedures. These requirements are designed to build trust among travelers and make sure all flights are as safe as possible.
The ICAO’s support for Syrian aviation is directly connected to these safety goals. With help from the ICAO, Syrian authorities are bringing their rules and systems up to international standards. These changes make it more likely that other foreign airlines will consider flying to Syria at some point in the future.
How Dan Air Stands Out
Dan Air is now the only European Union airline with scheduled flights to Syria. This gives it a unique position, as all other EU carriers have stayed away from Syria for more than a decade. Matt Ian David, the airline’s CEO, made it clear that opening up these routes is about helping people connect.
Dan Air’s Airbus A320 jets are modern and known for comfort and fuel efficiency. The company has built a reputation for reliability since it started operations in 2017. By offering choices for different travel needs—from business trips to family reunions—Dan Air hopes to attract both new and returning passengers.
Wider Impacts: Diplomacy and Regional Stability
The resumption of direct flights is a sign of changing political times in Syria. It shows that the country is being accepted back into the international community—at least in the area of air travel. Some people see this as a positive sign for future stability and hope that it leads to more open borders and new opportunities for Syrians after years of conflict.
Other airlines, governments, and international agencies will watch closely to see how this new phase develops. While some concerns remain about how quickly Syria can meet global standards for safety and regulation, the steps taken by ICAO and other organizations give reason for optimism.
What Travelers Need to Know
Anyone planning to use Dan Air’s new flights should pay close attention to entry and exit rules for both Syria 🇸🇾 and their home country. Visa policies, health protocols, and documentation requirements can change with little notice, so it’s smart to visit official sites for the most up-to-date facts. The Syrian Ministry of Transport gives useful updates in Arabic and English for those interested in travel or compliance matters.
If you are traveling with family, or planning to return to Syria after several years abroad, it’s important to get all your paperwork in order before booking your ticket. This includes checking the validity of your Syrian passport, any required visas, and the current travel advisories in both Syria and the European Union.
Continuing Challenges and the Way Forward
While Dan Air’s new routes mark a fresh chapter for Syria 🇸🇾 and its connections to Europe, challenges still exist. Some travelers may worry about safety, legal status, or changes in government policies. For those with Syrian roots but who now live in Europe, these flights can bring both hope and uncertainty as the country adjusts to new leadership and ongoing reforms.
Business owners in Syria may now find it easier to import key goods, meet European clients, or expand their businesses. At the same time, European investors might see these new flights as a first step in rebuilding partnerships once blocked by war-time restrictions.
A Look Back, and What Comes Next
Syria’s aviation sector was once an active part of the Middle East, connecting travelers to Europe, Africa, and Asia. But after 2011, most foreign airlines stopped operating there. The civil war caused many borders and skies to close, leaving millions cut off from easy travel. Dan Air’s scheduled flights are the first real sign that this period of near-isolation may be ending.
With the political changes of late 2024 and renewed relationships with international groups like the ICAO, the future looks promising for Syrians hoping for more open skies. Dan Air’s flights will start the process, but more airlines may follow once they see a consistent level of safety and demand.
Summary and The Road Ahead
In summary, Dan Air, as the first EU carrier returning to Syria 🇸🇾, signals the potential for new beginnings in travel, business, and family connections. This move offers Syrian citizens in Europe the chance for smoother visits home, brings hope to local businesses, and highlights the importance of strong international oversight and safety in aviation.
With support from international organizations and careful regulation, the hope is that these direct flights will help Syria continue its journey towards openness, safety, and stability. For anyone interested in booking these flights or learning more about immigration and travel options, it’s essential to follow updates from both Dan Air and official government sources. You can find more information about travel requirements and official guidance at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s website.
As new stories unfold, the world will be watching to see if this milestone with Dan Air and the new links to Damascus become the model for Syria’s peaceful reintegration into global travel networks.
Learn Today
ICAO → International Civil Aviation Organization, a global agency that sets international airline safety and regulatory standards.
Bilateral Agreement → An agreement between two countries, here between Romania and Syria, allowing specific airline operations.
Direct Flight → A nonstop journey between two cities, with no plane changes or layovers in other countries.
Civil Aviation Authority → A government agency overseeing aviation safety, airport operations, and regulatory compliance in a country.
Passenger Rights → Legal protections and benefits provided to airline passengers, including safety, compensation, and assistance rules.
This Article in a Nutshell
Dan Air is making history as the first EU airline to offer direct flights to Syria in over a decade. Starting June 2025, flights will connect Damascus with key European cities, improving family reunification, business, and humanitarian opportunities, all supported by new international safety and regulatory agreements for Syrian aviation.
— By VisaVerge.com
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