Emirates to Resume Flights to Damascus After 13-Year Hiatus
Starting July 16, 2025, Emirates will resume flights to Damascus, Syria, after a 13-year hiatus. The airline halted operations to the Syrian capital in 2012.
Following a recent assessment with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Emirates is now set to reconnect Dubai and Damascus.
This move strengthens ties between the UAE and Syria, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
Flight Schedule and Expansion Plans
Emirates will launch three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, using a Boeing 777-200LR with 302 seats. From August 2, 2025, the airline will add a Saturday flight, increasing to four weekly services.
By October 26, 2025, Emirates will operate daily flights to Damascus. Flight EK 913 departs Dubai at 12:00 PM, arriving at Damascus International Airport at 2:10 PM local time. The return flight, EK 914, leaves Damascus at 4:30 PM, landing in Dubai at 8:30 PM.
This schedule enhances travel options for passengers connecting through Emirates’ extensive network of nearly 150 destinations.
The airline’s codeshare partnership with flydubai further complements the Damascus flights, offering greater flexibility and convenience for travelers.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The resumption of flights supports the UAE’s efforts to deepen bilateral ties with Syria. The new route will facilitate travel for the Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, enabling them to reconnect with their homeland.
These travelers bring valuable skills, expertise, and resources to support Syria’s rebuilding efforts in sectors like energy, construction, and agriculture.
In 2024, trade between the UAE and Syria reached $680 million (AED 2.5 billion), a 23% increase from the previous year.
The restored air link is expected to further boost trade by opening new avenues for investment and market access.
The UAE’s vibrant Syrian community, numbering over 350,000, has significantly contributed to the country’s prosperity through entrepreneurship and expertise, enriching its cultural diversity.
Boeing 777 Flight Operations
Emirates’ Damascus flights will operate on a Boeing 777-200LR. It features 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 Economy Class seats.
Passengers can enjoy a premium inflight experience, including Levantine-inspired meals and a wide selection of beverages.
The airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offers up to 6,500 channels, including 650 Arabic-language options with movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and more.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, expressed enthusiasm about the resumed services. “We are delighted to restart flights to Damascus, supporting Syria’s progress by enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.”
“This move benefits our customers, especially the Syrian diaspora, who are eager to reconnect with their roots and contribute to development efforts. We thank the Syrian authorities for their support and look forward to strengthening ties through our regular flights.”
Emirates’ Legacy in Syria
Emirates first launched flights to Damascus in 1988 and carried over 2.1 million passengers to and from Syria before suspending operations in 2012.
The airline currently serves 13 Middle East and GCC destinations with 191 weekly flights, reinforcing its commitment to the region.
By resuming flights to Damascus, Emirates not only restores a vital link but also paves the way for stronger economic and cultural connections between the UAE and Syria.
