Key Takeaways
• Emirates resumed flights to Damascus on July 16, 2025, after 13 years with 286 passengers aboard.
• Initially three weekly flights using Boeing 777-200LR, expanding to daily service by October 26, 2025.
• Flights boost Syrian economy, trade with UAE reached $680 million in 2024, with community and business benefits.
Emirates has resumed regular flights to Damascus, Syria, after a 13-year break, marking a major step for both the airline and the region. The first flight landed at Damascus International Airport on July 16, 2025, carrying 286 passengers. This move signals renewed confidence in Syria’s stability and opens new doors for travel, trade, and family reunification.
A New Chapter for Emirates and Syria
The return of Emirates to Damascus International Airport is more than just a business decision. It reflects changing conditions in Syria and a warming of ties between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Syria 🇸🇾. The first flight was greeted by top officials from both countries, including UAE Minister of Sports Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi and Emirates executives Adel Al Redha and Adil Al Ghaith. Their presence underlines the importance of this event for both governments and the wider region.
Flight Schedule and Expansion Plans
Emirates has started with three flights a week between Dubai and Damascus, using a Boeing 777-200LR. These flights run on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. The aircraft offers 38 Business Class seats and 264 Economy Class seats, giving travelers a range of options. From August 2, 2025, Emirates will add a fourth weekly flight on Saturdays. The airline plans to move to daily service starting October 26, 2025, if it gets the necessary approvals from aviation authorities.
- Current Schedule:
- EK 913 leaves Dubai at 12:00 and arrives in Damascus at 14:10 local time.
- EK 914 departs Damascus at 16:30 and lands in Dubai at 20:30 local time.
This schedule gives travelers more flexibility and helps connect Syria to nearly 150 destinations worldwide through Emirates’ network.
Booking and Special Offers
Travelers can book tickets through the Emirates website, mobile app, call center, or travel agents. To celebrate the return, Emirates is offering special “Cash+Miles” deals for flights to and from Damascus for trips between July 16 and October 16, 2025. This makes it easier and more affordable for people to visit family, do business, or explore new opportunities in Syria.
Why Emirates Suspended Flights and Why They’re Back
Emirates stopped flying to Damascus in March 2012 because of the Syrian Civil War and safety concerns. The decision to return comes after a careful review with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. Improved security at Damascus International Airport and better relations between the two countries made this comeback possible. Before the suspension, Emirates had already flown over 2.1 million passengers on this route since it started in 1988.
Voices from the Top: What Leaders Are Saying
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the airline wants to help Syria recover, attract investment, and reconnect Syrians living abroad. He explained, “Our return to Damascus is about more than flights. It’s about helping Syria rebuild and giving people hope for the future.”
Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, pointed out that the route is important for tourism, trade, and family reunification. He said, “Emirates connects Syria to almost 150 cities. This means more chances for business, travel, and seeing loved ones.”
Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, praised the teamwork between Syrian and UAE officials. “This was only possible because both sides worked closely together and shared the same vision,” he said.
UAE Ambassador to Syria, Hassan Ahmed Al Shehhi, called the move a sign of the strong and historic friendship between the two countries.
Impact on Syria’s Economy and People
The return of Emirates is expected to give a big boost to Syria’s economy. With better air links, it will be easier for investors to visit and for Syrian businesses to reach new markets. Sectors like energy, construction, and agriculture are likely to benefit the most. In 2024, trade between the UAE and Syria reached $680 million, up 23% from the year before. Experts expect this number to grow even more now that flights have resumed.
The UAE is home to over 350,000 Syrians. For this community, the new flights mean easier visits to family, more business opportunities, and a chance to take part in rebuilding Syria. As reported by VisaVerge.com, many in the Syrian diaspora see this as a lifeline that will help them stay connected to their homeland.
What Passengers Can Expect
Emirates is known for its high standards, and the flights to Damascus are no exception. The Boeing 777-200LR used on this route has a comfortable 2-2-2 Business Class layout. Passengers can enjoy meals made with Syrian ingredients, bringing a taste of home to the skies. The in-flight entertainment system offers up to 6,500 channels, including a wide range of Arabic and Syrian content.
Emirates also has a codeshare agreement with flydubai, which means travelers have even more options for connecting flights to and from Damascus. This partnership makes it easier for people to reach smaller cities and other destinations in the region.
Security and Regional Stability
The decision to restart flights comes at a time when the region is still facing challenges. There have been recent airstrikes in Damascus, but Emirates’ return shows a renewed trust in the safety of Damascus International Airport. Many see this as a “vote of confidence” in Syria’s recovery and a step toward normalizing relations in the Middle East.
Aviation experts say that when a major airline like Emirates resumes service, it sends a strong message to other carriers and investors. It suggests that Syria is becoming safer and more open for business.
What This Means for Travelers and the Syrian Diaspora
For Syrians living abroad, especially in the UAE, the return of Emirates flights is a game-changer. It means shorter travel times, more reliable service, and easier access to family and business opportunities in Syria. For people in Syria, it opens up the world, making it easier to travel for work, study, or tourism.
Families separated by years of conflict can now reunite more easily. Business owners can travel to Dubai and beyond to find new partners and markets. Students can look for educational opportunities in the UAE and other countries served by Emirates.
How to Book and Prepare for Your Trip
If you’re planning to fly between Dubai and Damascus, here’s what you need to do:
- Book your ticket through the Emirates website, app, call center, or a trusted travel agent.
- Check Syrian entry requirements. Make sure you have the right visa and meet any health or security rules. You can find official information on the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority website.
- Stay updated. Before you travel, check for any new travel advisories or updates from Emirates and local authorities.
- Arrive early. Because this is a newly resumed route, allow extra time for check-in and security at the airport.
Key Dates to Remember
- July 16, 2025: First Emirates flight lands in Damascus after 13 years.
- August 2, 2025: Fourth weekly flight added.
- October 26, 2025: Planned start of daily service, pending approval.
Why This Matters for the Region
The return of Emirates to Damascus International Airport is a landmark event for Syria and the wider Middle East. It shows that the country is moving toward greater stability and is ready to reconnect with the world. For the region, it could mean more trade, tourism, and cooperation.
Other airlines are watching closely. If Emirates’ flights are successful and safe, more carriers may follow, further opening up Syria to the world. This could speed up the country’s recovery and help it rejoin the global aviation network.
What Experts and Stakeholders Say
Aviation analysts call this move both a commercial and diplomatic milestone. They believe it will have a big impact on Syria’s economy, its people, and its place in the world. Syrian officials and business leaders have welcomed Emirates’ return, saying it will bring more tourists, investors, and jobs.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the resumption of flights is likely to encourage more international engagement with Syria. This could mean more investment, more visitors, and a faster path to recovery.
Challenges and Risks
While the return of Emirates is a positive sign, there are still risks. The security situation in Syria remains fragile, and travelers should stay informed about any changes. The airline’s plans to expand to daily service depend on continued stability and approval from aviation authorities.
There are also practical challenges. Damascus International Airport must maintain high safety and service standards to keep attracting international airlines. Both the UAE and Syria will need to keep working together to ensure smooth operations and address any issues that arise.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Emirates and Syria
Emirates has made it clear that it wants to expand its presence in Syria. The move to daily flights, if approved, will make it even easier for people and goods to move between the two countries. This could help Syria attract more foreign investment, especially in key sectors like energy and construction.
The airline’s return may also inspire other international carriers to reconsider their own operations in Syria. If that happens, it could lead to even more connections, more business, and more opportunities for Syrians at home and abroad.
Practical Tips for Passengers
- Book early: With high demand expected, especially around holidays, booking in advance is wise.
- Check travel documents: Make sure your passport and visa are valid for travel to Syria.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from Emirates and the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority for the latest travel information.
- Plan for security checks: Allow extra time at the airport, as security procedures may be more thorough on this route.
Official Resources for Travelers
- For booking and flight information, visit the Emirates website.
- For Syrian entry requirements and airport updates, check the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority.
- For general travel advice and updates, consult your country’s embassy or consulate in Syria.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Syria and the Region
The resumption of Emirates flights to Damascus International Airport is a turning point for Syria’s civil aviation and its ties with the world. It offers hope for economic recovery, stronger family connections, and a brighter future for the Syrian people. As more travelers take to the skies, the benefits will be felt not just in Syria, but across the Middle East.
For those planning to visit, now is the time to take advantage of new travel options and reconnect with loved ones or explore new business opportunities. With careful planning and attention to official guidance, travelers can make the most of this important new chapter in Syria’s story.
Learn Today
Emirates → A major airline based in Dubai, operating international flights including to Damascus, Syria.
Damascus International Airport → Main airport serving Damascus, Syria, reopened to commercial flights by Emirates in 2025.
Boeing 777-200LR → Long-range wide-body aircraft used by Emirates for flights between Dubai and Damascus.
Cash+Miles → A special Emirates booking option allowing payment combining cash and frequent flyer miles.
General Civil Aviation Authority → UAE government body overseeing aviation safety and approving Emirates’ Damascus flight operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Emirates has restarted regular flights to Damascus after 13 years, signaling Syria’s improving stability and regional ties. Starting with three weekly flights, expanding to daily by fall 2025, this reopening supports trade, tourism, and family reunification, fostering economic growth and connectivity between Syria and the UAE.
— By VisaVerge.com
