Historical flight-launch timeline — updated 6 November 2026: This article reviews the return of direct air links between Germany and Syria during July–August 2026. Some original July launch dates were later revised. The dates below identify confirmed inaugural flights where available, not a live schedule or guarantee that any route operates on your travel date.
Two German carriers, LEAV Aviation and Sundair, announced new direct routes to Syria in July 2026 after Germany and Syria reached an air transport agreement. The developments marked a significant step in restoring air connections between the two countries after nearly fourteen years without regular direct services.
Which Germany–Syria flights actually launched?
| Airline | Route | Confirmed start / status |
|---|---|---|
| LEAV Aviation | Düsseldorf–Damascus | First flight 29 July 2026 |
| Sundair | Berlin–Damascus | First flight 15 August 2026 |
| LEAV Aviation | Cologne/Bonn–Aleppo | First flight 17 August 2026 |
| Sundair | Berlin–Aleppo | Announced for 1 October 2026; inauguration not independently confirmed in the sources reviewed |
Syria’s aviation authority initially announced a 29 July start for Düsseldorf–Damascus, a 1 August start for Cologne–Aleppo and Berlin–Damascus, and a planned 1 October Berlin–Aleppo service. However, subsequent airport and airline reports confirmed revised inauguration dates for two of the routes. Do not mistake the original announcement dates for verified first operations.
LEAV Aviation: Düsseldorf to Damascus on 29 July
On 29 July 2026, LEAV Aviation’s inaugural flight from Düsseldorf arrived at Damascus International Airport. The service re-established a direct connection particularly useful for residents of western Germany and parts of neighbouring countries. LEAV described the air transport agreement signed in July as a key step that made this route possible.
Sundair: Berlin to Damascus on 15 August
Sundair’s first confirmed non-stop flight from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Damascus took place on 15 August 2026 — not 1 August as initially announced. Berlin Brandenburg Airport stated that the route launched with two flights a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. That was the timetable at launch; check the airline for any subsequent adjustments.
LEAV Aviation: Cologne/Bonn to Aleppo on 17 August
Cologne Bonn Airport confirmed that LEAV Aviation inaugurated its Cologne–Aleppo route on 17 August 2026 — not 1 August as the preliminary announcement suggested. The airport reported an initial twice-weekly service on Mondays and Saturdays. This gave travellers to northern Syria another direct option.
The same airport also announced a Cologne–Deir ez-Zor route intended to start on 1 September 2026. That planned start is a separate announcement and should not be treated as independently verified continuing service.
What about Berlin–Aleppo?
Sundair’s Berlin–Aleppo route appeared in the original July 2026 aviation announcement with a proposed start of 1 October 2026. The sources used for this update confirm the Berlin–Damascus launch but do not independently establish the first flight or current availability of Berlin–Aleppo. Verify this route directly with Sundair before mentioning it to travellers as a bookable direct connection.
What this means for Syria travellers
The return of direct Germany–Syria routes offered more possibilities for family visits, business travel and cultural tourism. Damascus is a practical starting point for the capital and southern/central Syria; Aleppo can be convenient for a route beginning in the north. The right airport depends on your actual flight, immigration documents and tour itinerary.
When planning a visit, check the LEAV Aviation and Sundair booking systems, confirm entry requirements using our Syria entry guide, and explore scheduled tours or private itineraries.
Official reporting and sources
Sources: SANA — original route announcement, 27 July 2026; SANA — LEAV Düsseldorf–Damascus arrival, 29 July; Berlin Brandenburg Airport — Sundair launch confirmation; Cologne Bonn Airport — LEAV Aleppo first flight, 17 August.