After years of war-induced isolation, Syria’s aviation sector is witnessing a remarkable resurgence. Airports are reopening, infrastructure is being modernised, and major international airlines are resuming flights to a country long cut off from global connectivity. This revival reflects not only strategic infrastructural rebuilding but also a wider vision to re-establish Syria as a regional hub for travellers and trade.
Daily Flights Surge as Demand Grows
Damascus International Airport now handles between 22 and 25 flights every day, with 3,500 to 4,000 passengers passing through its gates daily. These figures are expected to grow further as more airlines resume services, marking a dramatic shift from the years of near-complete aviation silence during the conflict.
Damascus International Airport: Rebuilding a National Gateway
Operations at Damascus International Airport (DIA) resumed on 7 January 2025, just weeks after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The General Authority for Civil Aviation (HCAA), in cooperation with local companies, led a comprehensive rehabilitation plan including:
✅ Runway Repairs: Full rehabilitation of Bravo runway ensures safe aircraft landings and departures.
✅ Terminal Reconstruction: The internal halls were reconstructed to accommodate rising passenger traffic.
✅ Technological Upgrades: New baggage screening systems were installed, along with maintenance of camera surveillance and internal communication networks. Control tower communication faults were rectified, navigational lighting was restored, and modern navigation devices were installed for enhanced landing precision.
✅ Security Enhancements: A K9 unit for baggage inspection was introduced – a non-mandatory but precautionary measure to ensure flight security in Syria’s post-conflict environment.
✅ Radar Systems: In partnership with a Turkish company, Syria is installing its first modern radar, with plans for three radars covering the entire national airspace.
Who’s Flying to Syria Now?
Currently, 10 airlines operate regularly at Damascus International Airport, including Arab and European-bound services. New entrants such as Emirates and Air Arabia are expected shortly, while Saudi and Jordanian carriers have expressed intentions to resume flights soon.
Major Airlines Now Operating to Syria:
- Turkish Airlines resumed Damascus flights in January 2025.
- AnadoluJet launched direct Istanbul-Damascus flights on 2 July 2025.
- Syrian Air (Syrianair) restarted direct services to Istanbul on 10 June 2025 after a 14-year suspension.
- Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) resumed daily flights after 13 years and plans to double frequency before summer’s end.
- Dan Air (Romania) launched Bucharest-Damascus direct flights in June 2025, after a 14-year hiatus.
- Flydubai commenced Damascus operations in early June.
- Royal Jordanian is resuming operations, reconnecting Amman and Damascus after long suspension.
- Air Mediterranean (Greece) has reactivated routes to Damascus, facilitating European connectivity.
- Cham Wings Airlines, Syria’s private carrier, continues to expand its regional routes, strengthening domestic and regional links.
- Fly Baghdad Airlines operates flights from Iraq, enhancing bilateral air travel between Baghdad and Damascus.
- Qatar Airways resumed flights to Damascus on 7 January 2025.
Beyond Damascus: Expanding National Aviation Infrastructure
Aleppo International Airport resumed civil aviation operations on 18 March 2025, with flights to Istanbul starting 8 July 2025, operating weekly every Tuesday morning.
The HCAA plans strategic expansions:
- A new airport in Damascus is under feasibility study.
- Aleppo may see an entirely new airport constructed due to structural limitations of its current facility.
- Plans are underway for a new international airport in the Central Region, envisioned as a gateway connecting Syria’s interior to regional and global networks.
Regarding Qamishli Airport, authorities stated that any operation by non-government actors such as “Qasd” (Syrian Democratic Forces) without official approval is a violation of Syrian air sovereignty and poses operational risks.
Restructuring and Investment: Opening for Private Sector Participation
The HCAA, restructured from the “Aviation Corporation” and now reporting directly to the Presidency, is opening its doors to private sector investment to accelerate aviation development. Officials acknowledge that public resources alone are insufficient to restore Syria’s aviation to the standards befitting its regional position.
Human Capital Development
Parallel to infrastructural upgrades, the HCAA has prioritised training, rehabilitating its civil aviation training centre, and launching continuous ICAO-supervised courses. A February 2025 agreement with ICAO aims to modernise Syria’s air navigation systems and infrastructure, reinforcing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While many sanctions have been lifted, the absence of certain executive orders continues to delay full operational normalisation with Europe. Nonetheless, the HCAA remains committed to expanding services towards Europe, Asia, and the Arab world, anticipating months of technical arrangements before a full restoration of pre-war connectivity levels.
Looking Ahead
The coming months are expected to witness:
- Entry of additional airlines.
- Further infrastructure modernisation.
- Expanded public-private partnerships.
- Growth in passenger volumes, particularly driven by returning refugees from Turkey since mid-June 2025.
As Syria’s aviation landscape steadily reopens to the world, Damascus International Airport is positioning itself to once again become a major regional gateway, facilitating trade, travel, and cultural exchange at the heart of the Middle East.
Planning Your Entry into Syria?
If you’re considering flying into Syria or arriving by land, don’t miss our simple and up-to-date guide for travellers:
How to Enter Syria in 2025 – A Simple Guide for Travelers
With the right preparation, entering Syria can be smooth, safe, and deeply rewarding.