Good news for travelers planning to visit Syria: Turkish airline Pegasus is preparing to launch direct flights from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport to both Damascus and Aleppo starting in early June.
According to aviation reports, the Istanbul–Aleppo route is expected to begin on 2 June, with three flights per week, while the Istanbul–Damascus route is expected to begin on 3 June, with four flights per week.
For many travelers, this is more than just a new flight schedule. It is another important sign that Syria is becoming easier to reach again, especially for visitors coming from Europe, Turkey, and other international destinations that connect through Istanbul.
For years, reaching Syria required more planning, longer routes, and often overland travel through neighboring countries. But step by step, direct air connections are returning, making the journey smoother, shorter, and more comfortable for tourists, Syrians abroad, and anyone wishing to reconnect with the country.
Damascus and Aleppo are two of Syria’s most meaningful cities for travelers. Damascus offers the magic of the Old City, the Umayyad Mosque, traditional markets, old houses, hidden courtyards, and the feeling of walking through one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Aleppo, with its citadel, souqs, food culture, and deep history, remains one of the most powerful places to understand Syria’s spirit, resilience, and beauty.
This development is especially helpful for those planning private tours or group trips with Syrian Guides. More direct flight options mean more flexibility when choosing arrival and departure dates, and it may also make short visits to Syria easier for travelers who previously found the logistics complicated.
As always, travelers should check the final flight schedule directly with the airline before booking, as regional aviation schedules can change. Visitors should also make sure they have the required travel documents before flying to Syria.
At Syrian Guides, we see this as another positive step for tourism in Syria. Easier access means more people will have the chance to discover the country not only through headlines, but through its streets, food, history, people, and unforgettable hospitality.
Syria is opening up more and more and we are here to help you experience it safely, clearly, and beautifully.