FBI disrupts attempt by Chinese academics to smuggle crop-killing fungus into US
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UAE carrier Flydubai resumed flights to Syrian capital Damascus on June 1, with the first service in 12 years touching down at Damascus International Airport after taking off from Dubai International at 6.30am local time.
Airlines suspended operations to Syria from 2012 onwards as civil war engulfed the country, creating significant security risks and operational challenges that made commercial aviation untenable. The conflict led to widespread infrastructure damage, airspace restrictions, and international sanctions that effectively closed Syria to most international carriers. Following the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in late 2024 and the subsequent lifting of US sanctions by President Donald Trump during his Gulf visit, airlines have begun reassessing the viability of Syrian routes as the security situation stabilises and Damascus International Airport demonstrates renewed operational capacity.
Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at Flydubai, said the airline has "a longstanding commitment to further enhance connectivity in the region" and expressed pleasure at offering passengers "the opportunity to fly directly to Syria again".
Meanwhile, sister airline Emirates announced it will resume flights to Damascus from July 16, initially operating three services per week on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. The frequency will increase to four flights from August 2, with Saturday added, before expanding to daily services by October 26.
Emirates suspended the Damascus route in 2012 when civil war erupted in Syria. The resumption follows the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime and the subsequent lifting of sanctions by US President Donald Trump during his Gulf visit.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates, said the airline 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".
The Emirates service will operate using a 302-seat Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, departing Dubai at noon and arriving in Damascus at 2.10pm local time.
Saudi carrier Flynas has also announced plans to resume Damascus flights from Riyadh and Jeddah starting June 12, reflecting broader regional confidence in Syria's aviation sector recovery.
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