flydubai Resumes Direct Flights to Damascus After Twelve-Year Hiatus: A New Chapter for UAE-Syria Aviation Relations
In a significant development for regional aviation and international relations, flydubai has announced the resumption of direct flights to Damascus, Syria, marking a historic first for any airline from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to reconnect Dubai with the capital of Syria after a twelve-year suspension of services. Scheduled to begin on June 1, 2025, this initiative is poised to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two nations, demonstrating the potential for renewed collaboration in the Middle East.
The inaugural flight, designated FZ 115, took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 2 and landed at Damascus International Airport (DAM) amid a celebratory water cannon salute—a symbolic gesture marking the renewed partnership between the UAE and Syria. This event is more than just a flight; it is emblematic of a new era of connectivity that seeks to bridge the gap previously created by years of turbulence in diplomatic relations.
Symbolism of Reestablished Bilateral Ties
The ceremonial welcome at Damascus International Airport was attended by a number of dignitaries, including His Excellency Hassan Ahmed Al Shehhi, the UAE Ambassador to Syria. In his address, Ambassador Al Shehhi emphasized the importance of this milestone in reinforcing the “deep-rooted brotherhood” and strong diplomatic relations that have long characterized ties between the UAE and Syria. He stated, “This milestone underscores the UAE’s continued efforts to strengthen economic and cultural connectivity in the region. It reaffirms our unwavering support for Syria’s journey toward stability, development, and prosperity.”
The event also saw the participation of representatives from the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, who expressed optimism about the reestablishment of direct flights as a pathway toward revitalizing tourism and commerce between the two nations.
Opportunities for Trade and Tourism
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, articulated the significance of this new route, stating, “As an important cultural center in the region, Damascus presents strong opportunities for enhanced trade, tourism, and travel. Our daily flights will serve the needs of both business and leisure travelers, and support regional development.” This sentiment reflects a larger trend in the region, where aviation links are increasingly seen as critical to driving economic growth and cultural exchange.
The flights to Damascus are part of a broader strategy by flydubai to expand its network and increase its footprint in the Middle East. For Syrian travelers and expatriates, the reintroduction of direct flights is expected to facilitate easier access to Dubai, a destination known for its vibrant commercial and recreational offerings. Additionally, business opportunities for UAE-based companies looking to engage with the Syrian market could see a significant uptick as direct air links enhance inter-regional connectivity.
Scheduling and Accessibility
Flydubai has outlined an advantageous flight schedule to cater to the needs of travelers. The outbound flight FZ 115 will depart from Dubai at 06:30 AM, arriving in Damascus at 08:45 AM, while the return flight FZ 116 will take off from Damascus at 10:00 AM and land back in Dubai at 14:20 PM, all times listed in local time zones. This strategically timed schedule aims to accommodate both business travelers and vacationers, offering flexibility for various travel plans.
Tickets for these flights are now available for booking through multiple platforms, including the flydubai website, the flydubai app, and authorized travel partners, ensuring accessibility for all potential passengers.
A Future of Cooperative Endeavors
The resumption of direct flights by flydubai is more than a logistical achievement; it is, in fact, a significant step towards fostering cooperative endeavors and mutual understanding between the UAE and Syria. As both nations look towards a future filled with opportunities for partnership, the reestablished air links symbolize hope for renewed economic and cultural exchanges that can benefit both societies.
This development comes amidst a broader context of diplomatic initiatives in the region, where countries are exploring ways to leverage their strategic geographic positions for enhanced collaboration. The revival of air travel to Damascus may serve as a model for similar ventures, encouraging other airlines to explore the potential of connecting cities within the Middle East and contributing to a more interconnected regional landscape.
As flydubai embarks on this new journey, the eyes of many in the industry will be watching closely to gauge the impact of these flights on travel patterns, economic partnerships, and the overall re-establishment of regional ties.
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