Emirates resumes Damascus flights after a long pause

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Emirates resumes Damascus flights after a long pause

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Emirates Boeing 777-200LR | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Jun 5, 2025

Emirates has announced the resumption of flights to Damascus, Syria, after a 13-year hiatus. The airline plans to restart services on July 16, initially operating three times a week with a Boeing 777-200LR. By October 26, the frequency will increase to daily flights as part of the winter schedule transition.

"Emirates' noon departure time is among the carrier's quietest bank of flights leaving Dubai for cities across the Middle East," indicating a focus on serving the local market. Over 250,000 Syrians reside in the UAE, making this route significant for connecting families and businesses.

Flydubai, Emirates' narrowbody partner, resumed its Dubai-Damascus service on June 1. Together with Syrian Air, these airlines will provide connectivity between Dubai and Damascus. Syrian Air also offers flights to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

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Emirates first launched its Damascus route in 1998 but suspended operations in 2012 due to security concerns. During that period, it transported over 2.1 million passengers using primarily Airbus A330-200 aircraft until their retirement in 2016.

The return to Damascus marks Emirates' fifth new or returning destination in 2025 alongside Da Nang (Vietnam), Hangzhou (China), Shenzhen (China), and Siem Reap (Cambodia). This year, Emirates aims to operate passenger flights to 143 destinations from its hub at Dubai International Airport.

On June 2, Emirates commenced its inaugural flight from Dubai to Da Nang via Bangkok using a Boeing 777-300ER. Upcoming launches include thrice-weekly flights to Siem Reap starting July 3 and daily services to Shenzhen beginning July 1. Additionally, daily flights to Hangzhou are set for July 30.

These expansions reflect Emirates' strategy of enhancing connectivity across Asia and re-establishing links with key markets worldwide.