Key Takeaways
• Emirates resumes Dubai-Damascus flights on July 16, 2025, after a 13-year suspension due to Syria’s civil war.
• Flights operate thrice weekly initially, increasing to daily by October 26, 2025, using Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.
• Resumption follows political changes in Syria, US sanction lifts, benefiting travelers, Syrian diaspora, trade, and tourism.
Emirates to Resume Flights to Damascus in July 2025: What It Means for Travelers, the Syrian Diaspora, and Regional Mobility
Emirates Airlines has announced it will restart flights between Dubai and Damascus, Syria, beginning July 16, 2025. This move comes after a 13-year break in service, which started in 2012 due to the Syrian civil war. The decision follows a careful review by Emirates and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to make sure that flights can operate safely and reliably.
This development is more than just the return of a popular airline route. It signals a new chapter for Syria, the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, and the wider region. The reopening of this route will affect travelers, businesses, the large Syrian community living abroad, and anyone interested in the future of travel and migration in the Middle East.
Let’s break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what it means for people planning to travel, reconnect with family, or invest in Syria’s future.
Key Details: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
- Who: Emirates Airlines, one of the world’s leading carriers, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.
- What: Resuming direct flights between Dubai and Damascus, Syria.
- When: Starting July 16, 2025, with more flights added in the following months.
- Where: Flights will operate between Dubai International Airport and Damascus International Airport.
- Why: Improved political stability in Syria, the lifting of US sanctions, and growing demand from travelers and the Syrian diaspora.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Information
Emirates will start with three flights per week:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from July 16, 2025.
- Four flights per week from August 2, 2025, adding a Saturday service.
- Daily flights starting October 26, 2025.
The flights will use a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, which has:
- 302 seats in total
- 38 Business Class seats
- 264 Economy Class seats
Flight times:
- EK913: Leaves Dubai at 12:00 PM, arrives in Damascus at 2:10 PM (local time).
- EK914: Leaves Damascus at 4:30 PM, arrives in Dubai at 8:30 PM (local time).
Why Is Emirates Resuming Flights to Damascus Now?
The decision to restart flights is closely linked to recent political changes in Syria:
- The end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule in late 2024, after nearly 25 years in power.
- President Assad reportedly left Syria for Russia in December 2024, ending the Baath Party’s long rule since 1963.
- The United States 🇺🇸, under President Trump, lifted sanctions on Syria during a visit to the Gulf region.
These changes have made it safer and more practical for airlines to return to Syria. Emirates’ move follows similar decisions by other airlines, showing growing confidence in Syria’s stability.
Other Airlines Returning to Syria
- Flydubai: Emirates’ sister airline, resumed flights to Damascus on June 1, 2025, after a 12-year break.
- Saudi Flynas: Announced flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Damascus starting June 12, 2025.
- Other Arab and international airlines are also considering flights to Syria.
What Does This Mean for Travelers and the Syrian Diaspora?
For many people, especially Syrians living abroad, the return of Emirates flights is a big deal. Here’s why:
- Easier family visits: Many Syrians have family in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, Europe, the Americas, and the Gulf. Direct flights make it much easier to visit loved ones.
- Faster connections: Emirates’ global network means travelers can connect to Damascus from almost anywhere in the world with just one stop in Dubai.
- More travel options: With more airlines flying to Syria, travelers will have more choices and possibly better prices.
Economic and Social Impact
The return of Emirates flights is expected to help Syria’s economy and society in several ways:
- Trade: In 2024, trade between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Syria reached $680 million (about AED 2.5 billion), a 23% increase from the previous year. More flights can help this number grow by making it easier to move goods and people.
- Investment: Direct flights make it easier for investors and businesspeople to visit Syria, which is important for rebuilding the country after years of conflict.
- Tourism: Improved air links can encourage tourists to visit Syria, helping local businesses and creating jobs.
- Syrian community in the UAE: Over 350,000 Syrians live in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. Direct flights will make it much easier for them to travel home.
Official Statements on the Resumption
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said:
“Emirates is pleased to restart operations to Damascus and support Syria’s road ahead by providing better choice and connectivity, essential economic links for inwards investment as well as opening new trade lanes and global market access for the country. Re-establishing air travel and connectivity is also good news for our customers that make up the expansive Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe and the GCC, who are eager to fly back home and reconnect to their roots, and leverage their knowledge, skills, expertise and resources in ongoing development efforts.”
Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, added:
“The return of Emirates Airlines, which is considered as one of the best airlines in the world, to Damascus will contribute significantly to motivating other airlines to operate their flights to Damascus International Airport. It will also have positive repercussions on commercial and economic activity, encourage tourism, and facilitate the movement of Syrians especially from the large community in the UAE.”
Historical Background: Why Did Emirates Stop Flying to Damascus?
Emirates first started flying to Damascus in 1988. Before the suspension in 2012, the airline had carried over 2.1 million passengers to and from Syria. The flights stopped when the civil war in Syria made it too dangerous and unpredictable for airlines to operate safely.
For more than a decade, the lack of direct flights made it difficult for Syrians abroad to visit home, for businesses to operate, and for Syria to stay connected to the world.
How Does This Affect Immigration and Mobility?
The return of Emirates flights to Damascus is not just about tourism or business. It also has important effects on immigration and the movement of people:
- Family reunification: Many Syrians living in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, Europe, and North America have not been able to visit home easily. Direct flights make it much simpler for families to see each other.
- Student mobility: Syrian students studying abroad can now travel home more easily during holidays or emergencies.
- Work and business travel: Syrians working in the Gulf or other countries can travel for business or work opportunities in Syria.
- Refugee returns: While not all refugees will return right away, easier travel could help those who want to visit or move back to Syria.
Network Expansion: Emirates’ Broader Strategy
The Damascus route is part of a larger plan by Emirates to grow its network in 2025. Damascus is the fifth city to join or rejoin Emirates’ network this year, along with Da Nang (Vietnam), Hangzhou (China), Shenzhen (China), and Siem Reap.
Emirates now plans to fly to 143 destinations from Dubai, including 13 in the Middle East. This shows the airline’s confidence in the region’s stability and its commitment to connecting people and places.
What Should Travelers Know Before Booking?
If you’re planning to travel on Emirates between Dubai and Damascus, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Check visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Syria. Always check the latest rules with the Syrian embassy or consulate before booking.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers Syria, as some policies may have restrictions.
- Health and safety: Check for any health or safety advisories from your government or the airline before traveling.
- Flight schedules: As the service ramps up, flight times and frequencies may change. Always check the latest schedule on the Emirates website.
For official information on travel requirements to Syria, you can visit the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Syria and the Region?
The return of Emirates flights is a sign that Syria is becoming more open and connected to the world again. It shows that airlines and governments believe the country is safer and more stable than it has been in years.
This move could encourage other airlines and businesses to return to Syria, helping the country rebuild its economy and reconnect with its people abroad. It also sends a message to the world that Syria is ready to welcome visitors, investors, and its own citizens back home.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While the return of flights is a positive step, there are still challenges:
- Security: Although the situation has improved, travelers should stay informed about local conditions.
- Infrastructure: Years of conflict have damaged roads, airports, and other infrastructure. Some services may not be fully restored yet.
- Political changes: The situation in Syria can change quickly. Travelers and businesses should keep an eye on news and official updates.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Syrian diaspora: Easier travel means more opportunities to visit family, invest in businesses, or even return home for good.
- Businesses and investors: Direct flights make it easier to explore opportunities in Syria’s rebuilding economy.
- Tourists: Those interested in Syria’s rich history and culture will find it easier to visit.
- Other airlines: Emirates’ return may encourage more airlines to add flights to Damascus, increasing competition and options for travelers.
What Are the Next Steps for Interested Travelers?
- Monitor Emirates’ website for the latest flight schedules and booking options.
- Check visa and entry requirements for Syria before making travel plans.
- Stay updated on travel advisories from your home country.
- Consider travel insurance that covers Syria and any possible changes in your plans.
Conclusion: A New Era for Travel Between Dubai and Damascus
The resumption of Emirates flights to Damascus on July 16, 2025, is a major event for travelers, the Syrian diaspora, and the region as a whole. It marks a turning point in Syria’s recovery and its re-entry into the global community.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is expected to boost trade, tourism, and family connections, while also encouraging other airlines and investors to return to Syria. For many, it’s a long-awaited chance to reconnect with loved ones, explore new opportunities, and help rebuild a country that has been cut off from much of the world for over a decade.
For more information on Emirates’ flight schedules and travel requirements, visit the official Emirates website.
By staying informed and prepared, travelers and businesses can make the most of this new chapter in regional mobility and migration. The reopening of this route is not just about flights—it’s about hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better future for Syria and its people.
Learn Today
Emirates Airlines → A major Dubai-based international airline restarting flights between Dubai and Damascus in 2025 after 13 years.
Boeing 777-200LR → A long-range wide-body aircraft with 302 seats, used by Emirates for Dubai-Damascus flights.
Syrian diaspora → Syrians living outside the homeland who benefit from improved flight connections to Syria.
US sanctions → Restrictions previously imposed on Syria by the United States, recently lifted, facilitating travel and trade.
Damascus International Airport → The main airport in Syria’s capital and destination for Emirates flights from Dubai.
This Article in a Nutshell
Emirates will restart direct flights to Damascus on July 16, 2025, after 13 years. This reopening boosts travel, regional stability, and economic ties, connecting the Syrian diaspora and opening investment and tourism opportunities for Syria and the UAE.
— By VisaVerge.com
