Dubai : Emirates has announced plans to resume passenger flights to Damascus starting July 16, 2025, pending final government approvals. This marks the airline’s return to the Syrian capital after more than a decade, following the suspension of operations in 2012.
Initially, Emirates will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. From August 2, services will increase to four weekly flights with an additional Saturday service, and by October 26, operations will expand to daily flights.
The route will be served by a Boeing 777-200LR, configured with 302 seats. Flight EK913 will depart Dubai at 12:00 PM and arrive in Damascus at 2:10 PM local time. The return flight, EK914, will leave Damascus at 4:30 PM and arrive in Dubai at 8:30 PM local time.
The reinstatement of this route is expected to enhance connectivity for passengers travelling between Syria and Emirates’ network of nearly 150 destinations. It will also support ongoing efforts to rebuild Syria’s economy and attract foreign investment in key sectors such as energy, construction, and agriculture.
Emirates passengers will benefit from the airline’s codeshare agreement with flydubai, offering additional travel options and improved scheduling flexibility for journeys to and from Damascus.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said:
“Emirates is pleased to restart operations to Damascus and support Syria’s road ahead by providing greater choice and connectivity. These flights will serve as essential economic links for inward investment and trade, while also reconnecting the Syrian diaspora to their homeland.”
He also expressed appreciation for the Syrian authorities’ cooperation in reestablishing air links, adding that the airline looks forward to strengthening ties between the two nations.
Trade between the UAE and Syria reached AED 2.5 billion (USD 680 million) in 2024, marking a 23% increase compared to the previous year, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy. The resumption of Emirates flights is expected to further boost trade and people-to-people connections.
More than 350,000 Syrians currently reside in the UAE, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Emirates first began operations to Damascus in 1988 and carried over 2.1 million passengers before suspending the route in 2012.
The airline currently operates 191 weekly flights across 13 cities in the Middle East and GCC.
