In a significant move to deepen international connectivity, Emirates Airline has officially resumed flights to Syria‘s capital, Damascus, reinstating the “City of Jasmine” back into its extensive network of destinations in the region. This decision enables the world’s largest international airline to reconnect Damascus with over 150 destinations across six continents, facilitating travel and commerce.
Official Resumption of Services
Flight EK 913 landed at Damascus International Airport at 14:30, carrying 286 passengers. The arrival was marked by traditional water cannon salutes and was welcomed by the UAE Ambassador to Syria, Hassan Ahmed Al Shihi, along with a high-level Syrian official delegation.
Strengthening Ties through Connectivity
According to Adel Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Middle East, “Today, we celebrate the resumption of our flights to Damascus. This service will connect the Syrian capital with the world, reuniting families, friends, and communities globally.” He further emphasized that the UAE and Syria have enjoyed strong bilateral relations for decades, highlighting how Syria has been an essential market for Emirates Airline since its first flights to the country in 1988. By facilitating passenger and cargo transport, Emirates Airline aims to play a vital role in enhancing tourism, trade, and investment movements while linking Syria to nearly 150 destinations worldwide.
A Collaborative Effort
Al Alia Sial, Director of Public Relations at Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority, noted the collaborative efforts from both teams to prepare for the resumption of flights. “Our teams have worked tirelessly with a shared vision to create the necessary technical and administrative conditions for resuming flight operations, and these fruitful efforts have been successfully realized with Emirates Airline‘s return to Damascus,” he said. This resonates with a commitment to strengthen economic and fraternal links between the UAE and Syria.
Flight Operations and Future Plans
Initially, Emirates Airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Plans are in place to increase frequency to four times a week by August 2, adding a Saturday flight. Additionally, the airline aims to expand to daily flights starting from October 26, subject to government approvals. Passengers traveling to and from Damascus will benefit from a codeshare partnership with Flydubai, providing them with enhanced options.
The airline will utilize a Boeing 777-200LR for its flights to Damascus, which includes 38 business class seats and 264 economy class seats. Flight EK 913 departs Dubai at 12:00 PM, arriving at Damascus International Airport at 14:10 local time. The return flight, EK 914, will leave Damascus at 16:30 and arrive in Dubai at 20:30 local time.
A Historic Milestone
Emirates Airline began operations to Damascus in 1988, transporting over 2.1 million passengers before suspending services in 2012. Currently, the airline operates flights to 14 cities across the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, totaling 194 weekly flights.
The first flight included prominent figures such as Dr. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Youth and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and other senior executives from Emirates Airline. Joining them were representatives from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and various media representatives.