The Rebirth of Syrian Aviation: Airlines return to Damascus
5 March 2025
For over a decade, Syria’s aviation sector has been heavily impacted by conflict, sanctions, and political instability. Syria’s economy heavily depended on relations with China, Iran, and Russia. However, following the regime change on December 8, 2024, when Bashar al-Assad was ousted, significant changes are unfolding in the country’s air travel industry. The European Union (EU) has recently lifted its sanctions on Syrian Air, allowing the national carrier to resume flights to Europe for the first time since 2012. This decision marks a turning point for Syria’s aviation sector and reflects the broader efforts to reintegrate the country into the global economy.
A New Era for Syrian Airlines
Syrian Air, the country’s state-owned flag carrier, has been reinstated in the EU’s aviation landscape after nearly 13 years of exclusion. According to airfleets.net, the airline operates two Airbus A320 and is expected to announce its first European destination soon. The EU’s decision is part of its broader strategy to facilitate financial transactions related to Syria’s reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.
Despite this positive development, not all Syrian carriers have been granted the same privileges. Cham Wings, the largest private airline in Syria, remains under EU sanctions and is still prohibited from operating flights to Europe. While Cham Wings currently serves regional destinations such as Erbil and Muscat, its future in the European market remains uncertain.
The Return of International Airlines
Since the fall of the Assad regime, several international airlines have resumed flights to Syria, signaling a resurgence of connectivity to and from the country. Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Royal Jordanian have all restarted services to Damascus, offering multiple weekly flights which will increase further in the coming months.
Qatar Airways resumed flights between Doha and Damascus on January 7, 2025. Turkish Airlines followed suit, reintroducing flights between Istanbul and Damascus on January 23, 2025, after a 13-year hiatus. This move is particularly significant given Turkey’s role in the Syrian conflict and its subsequent efforts to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties with its southern neighbor. In addition, neighboring Royal Jordanian restarted its Amman-Damascus route on January 31, 2025. Further, Iraq carrier UR Airlines connects Damascus with Baghdad and Najaf.
The Strategic Importance of Damascus International Airport
Damascus International Airport (DAM) remains Syria’s primary gateway, handling the majority of the country’s international air traffic. The airport serves as the main hub for Syrian Air and a key base for Cham Wings. Syrian Air serves Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Dubai, Kuwait City, and Sharjah among others. Competitor Cham Wings connects Damascus with Kuwait City, Muscat, and Sharjah.
Other international airports in Syria include Aleppo (ALP) and Latakia (LTK), though their availability (especially Aleppo) for operations seems unclear. The same applies to Qamishli Airport (KAC), previously used for domestic flights.
The Role of the Syrian Diaspora
A major driver for the resumption of international flights is the large Syrian diaspora. Millions of Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring and European countries, with significant populations in Turkey (3.1 million), Lebanon (0.8 million), Jordan (0.7 million), Germany (0.6 million), and other nations. The renewed connectivity between Syria and these regions is expected to facilitate family reunifications and boost economic exchanges.
What’s Next for European Airlines?
Before the Syrian Civil War, several European carriers, including Austrian Airlines, regularly served Syrian destinations. As stability returns and air travel restrictions ease, it remains to be seen which European airline will be the first—besides Turkish Airlines—to reintroduce flights to Damascus. The decision will likely depend on a combination of security considerations, regulatory approvals, and commercial viability.
Conclusion
The reopening of Syria’s airspace to major international carriers is a significant milestone for the country’s recovery. With Syrian Air poised to return to European skies and other airlines expanding their presence in Damascus, Syria’s aviation sector is gradually reemerging from its long period of isolation. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the extent to which Syria reintegrates into the global aviation network will depend on sustained stability and economic rebuilding efforts.
Photo Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg