Direct air travel between Germany and Syria is returning, with two German carriers preparing to launch scheduled services to both Damascus and Aleppo.
LEAV Aviation will begin flying from Düsseldorf to Damascus on 29 July 2026, followed by a Cologne–Aleppo service on 1 August. Sundair will begin Berlin–Damascus flights on 1 August, while its Berlin–Aleppo route is scheduled to start on 1 October.
The routes mark an important change for travellers who have previously needed to connect through Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Amman, Beirut or another European airport to reach Syria.
The new Germany–Syria routes
The announced routes are:
| Airline | Route | Starting date |
|---|---|---|
| LEAV Aviation | Düsseldorf–Damascus | 29 July 2026 |
| LEAV Aviation | Cologne–Aleppo | 1 August 2026 |
| Sundair | Berlin–Damascus | 1 August 2026 |
| Sundair | Berlin–Aleppo | 1 October 2026 |
Syria’s civil aviation authority has said that each route is expected to operate twice per week. Travellers should still verify the exact operating days and departure times through the airline or ticket provider before making arrangements around a particular flight.
LEAV Aviation connects western Germany with Syria
LEAV Aviation will be the first of the two carriers to begin operating.
Its Düsseldorf–Damascus service is scheduled to start on 29 July, followed a few days later by direct flights between Cologne and Aleppo.
The airline’s booking system already lists Damascus among its available destinations, showing that preparations for the new service have moved beyond the announcement stage.
The Düsseldorf route may be especially convenient for travellers living in western Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Düsseldorf has strong rail connections with cities throughout the region, making it easier for passengers to reach the airport without first travelling to Berlin or another distant hub.
The Cologne–Aleppo route gives passengers another option for reaching northern Syria directly. For travellers whose itinerary begins in Aleppo, this can remove the need for a long overland journey from Damascus.
Sundair adds direct flights from Berlin
Sundair will begin its Berlin–Damascus service on 1 August.
The Berlin–Aleppo route is due to follow on 1 October, making the airline another direct link between Germany and Syria’s two main international airports.
Berlin is an important departure point because of the large Syrian community in Germany and the city’s connections with other European capitals.
The later October launch of the Aleppo route may also be useful for autumn travellers, when the weather in Syria is generally more comfortable for long city walks and visits to exposed archaeological sites.
Why these flights matter for tourists
Until now, many visitors travelling from Germany had to change planes at least once.
A direct flight can make the journey simpler by:
- Reducing the total travel time.
- Removing the need for a transit stop.
- Lowering the risk of a missed connection.
- Making baggage arrangements easier.
- Giving travellers direct access to either northern or southern Syria.
- Allowing more flexible arrival and departure combinations.
A traveller could, for example, arrive in Aleppo, travel south through the country and depart from Damascus. This avoids returning to the same airport purely for the flight home.
Should travellers arrive in Damascus or Aleppo?
The most suitable airport depends on the itinerary.
Damascus may be the better choice for:
- Damascus and its Old City.
- Maaloula and Sednaya.
- Bosra.
- Palmyra.
- Central and southern Syria.
- Tours that begin or end in the capital.
Aleppo may be the better choice for:
- Aleppo and the northern countryside.
- Saint Simeon and the Dead Cities.
- Idlib countryside destinations included in an approved itinerary.
- Latakia and the Syrian coast.
- Tours that continue south toward Hama, Homs and Damascus.
For a longer journey, arriving through one city and departing from the other can reduce driving and make the itinerary feel more natural.
Travellers should confirm the planned airport with their tour operator before buying the ticket, especially when visa assistance and airport transfers are being arranged.
A rapid change from agreement to operating routes
The announcement follows the final Syria–Germany air transport agreement signed in Damascus on 16 July.
That agreement created the legal and regulatory framework needed to appoint airlines, approve frequencies and issue the technical and operating permissions required for direct services. At that stage, applications from several German airlines were still under review.
The confirmation of LEAV Aviation and Sundair routes shows that the process moved quickly from a bilateral agreement to scheduled passenger operations.
It also follows the restoration of direct Amsterdam–Damascus flights earlier in July, reflecting a wider expansion of Syria’s air connections with Europe.
What travellers should check before booking
Although the routes have been officially announced, newly launched services can still undergo changes during their first weeks of operation.
Before buying a ticket, travellers should confirm:
- That the flight appears in the airline or authorised seller’s booking system.
- The exact airport and terminal.
- The operating day and departure time.
- Whether checked baggage is included.
- Whether meals and seat selection cost extra.
- The ticket’s change and refund conditions.
- Whether the journey is sold as a direct flight or involves an operational stop.
- The required arrival time at the airport.
Travellers should also recheck the flight around 48 hours before departure and again on the day of travel.
When connecting to the German departure airport on a separate ticket, it is sensible to allow a generous margin rather than relying on a tight train or flight connection.
Visa and entry arrangements still need attention
A direct flight does not remove Syria’s entry requirements.
Visitors flying into Damascus or Aleppo should make sure that any required visa approval or security approval has been arranged before departure. Airlines may check documentation before allowing the passenger to board.
The required process can vary according to nationality, so travellers should confirm the current rules before purchasing a non-refundable ticket.
Airport pickup should also be organised in advance, particularly for travellers arriving on a newly launched route or at night.
Are the services definitely operating?
The routes have been announced by Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport as scheduled direct services.
However, travellers should distinguish between:
- An officially announced launch date.
- A flight appearing as bookable.
- The first flight actually operating.
- The route settling into a reliable regular schedule.
The Düsseldorf–Damascus service is due to begin first, on 29 July. The Cologne–Aleppo and Berlin–Damascus services follow on 1 August, while Berlin–Aleppo is scheduled for October.
We recommend checking the airline’s booking channel before making separate non-refundable arrangements.
Planning a Germany–Syria journey with Syrian Guides
Syrian Guides can arrange tours beginning in either Damascus or Aleppo.
We can also design open-jaw itineraries in which visitors:
- Arrive in Damascus and depart from Aleppo.
- Arrive in Aleppo and depart from Damascus.
- Combine one of the new German routes with another international connection.
- Add airport pickup, accommodation and visa assistance to the tour.
The return of direct Germany–Syria flights is one of the most important aviation developments for European travellers in 2026.
It makes the journey simpler, gives visitors more choice and allows itineraries to be designed around the country rather than around the limitations of a single arrival airport.
Flight dates, frequencies and times remain subject to airline confirmation. Travellers should check the final schedule before departure.