In a development that underscores growing regional ties, Emirates is set to relaunch direct flights to Damascus from 16 July 2025, reconnecting Dubai with the Syrian capital after more than a decade. The airline had suspended its services to Syria in 2012, and this decision follows a thorough review in collaboration with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority.
Rebuilding Regional Connectivity with Damascus
Syria is accelerating its recovery by ramping up efforts to boost energy, agriculture, and construction. Re-establishing this air route offers vital support in opening up trade lanes, drawing foreign investment, and reconnecting displaced communities.
Initially, Emirates will operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. From 2 August, the service expands to four times weekly, with an additional Saturday flight. Emirates will launch daily operations on 26 October 2025, reinforcing its commitment to regional connectivity.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
Flights between Dubai and Damascus will be operated using a Boeing 777-200LR, featuring 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 Economy Class seats. Emirates delivers its signature premium inflight experience with regionally inspired cuisine, attentive service, and a top-tier entertainment system.
The outbound flight EK 913 will depart Dubai at 12:00 PM, arriving in Damascus at 2:10 PM local time. Flight EK 914 will depart Damascus at 4:30 PM and arrive in Dubai at 8:30 PM.
Supporting the Syrian Diaspora and Economic Revival
This route is particularly significant for the Syrian diaspora residing in the GCC, Europe, and North America. With over 350,000 Syrians currently living in the UAE, the relaunch of services offers a direct bridge for families, professionals, and entrepreneurs eager to reconnect with their homeland.
The reinstated flights are expected to bolster the UAE’s ongoing efforts to foster economic ties with Syria. In 2024, bilateral trade reached AED 2.5 billion, marking a 23% growth year-on-year. The renewed air link will amplify momentum by streamlining business travel and logistics.
Emirates and flydubai Collaboration Enhances Travel Options
Passengers will benefit from Emirates’ codeshare partnership with flydubai, which provides greater flexibility and better travel options for those flying to and from the Syrian capital. This collaboration ensures that travellers can enjoy more seamless connections, whether continuing onward to secondary cities or arriving from global destinations.
Onboard Experience: Comfort, Cuisine and Content
Travellers flying to Damascus with Emirates can look forward to a premium onboard experience. Emirates ensures comfort with Levantine-inspired dishes, premium beverages, and its award-winning ICE entertainment system.
The inflight entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels, including a rich library of over 650 Arabic-language titles spanning films, music, podcasts and more.
Historic Ties and a Forward-Looking Future
Emirates launched flights to Damascus in 1988 and served over 2.1 million passengers before suspending operations in 2012. The decision to return is not just a business move—it’s part of a broader vision to reconnect communities and help stimulate national rebuilding efforts.
Currently, Emirates serves 13 destinations across the Middle East/GCC with 191 weekly flights, reflecting the airline’s strong regional footprint. With Damascus now rejoining the network, the airline further solidifies its role as a catalyst for regional growth and integration.
Emirates’ return to Damascus marks more than the reintroduction of a route—it represents renewed confidence in Syria’s future and the deepening of historic ties between the UAE and Syria. As the region reshapes itself post-crisis, the resumption of flights serves both strategic interests and the personal aspirations of thousands.
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