Syria Flights July 2026: New Damascus & Aleppo Routes

July has brought a noticeable expansion in Syria’s international flight connections. Several new routes have already started, while others are expected to begin later this month or in early August.

For travellers, the biggest change is the growing number of options for flying directly into Aleppo. Until recently, most international visitors arrived through Damascus, Beirut or Amman. Aleppo is now becoming a practical entry point for tours beginning in northern Syria.

Here is what has changed.

New flights to Aleppo

Romanian airline DAN AIR began direct flights between Bucharest and Aleppo on 1 July. The airline already flies between Bucharest and Damascus, so travellers from Europe now have direct access to both of Syria’s main international airports.

On 4 July, Air Arabia launched a daily service between Sharjah and Aleppo. Sharjah is particularly convenient for passengers connecting from Asia, Europe and other destinations in the Gulf, and it is also within easy reach of Dubai.

Three days later, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi began flying between Abu Dhabi and Aleppo three times per week.

These routes make it much easier to start a journey in Aleppo rather than travelling north from Damascus. For itineraries covering Aleppo, the Dead Cities, Latakia, Hama and Homs, arriving in the north can save considerable driving time.

Jazeera Airways also began flying between Kuwait and Aleppo on 25 June, with three services per week.

From the beginning of August, SunExpress is expected to add Aleppo flights from Turkey:

Antalya–Aleppo from 1 August.
Izmir–Aleppo from 2 August.

Both routes are expected to operate twice weekly. However, because their launch was previously postponed, travellers should confirm that the flights have actually started before booking separate connections through Turkey.

Amsterdam is connected to Damascus again

One of the most important developments for European travellers is the return of direct flights between Amsterdam and Damascus.

Syrian Airlines resumed the route on 2 July after a suspension of several years. The planned schedule includes several flights per week, although exact operating days should always be checked before booking.

Amsterdam is a useful gateway not only for travellers from the Netherlands, but also for visitors coming from Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and other nearby countries.

Passengers booking this route should avoid short connections, especially when the connecting flight is on a separate ticket.

More flights through Kuwait and Abu Dhabi

Kuwait is becoming one of the busiest gateways to Syria.

From 14 July, Jazeera Airways increased its Kuwait–Damascus service to four flights per day. This is in addition to its new Aleppo route.

Kuwait Airways is also scheduled to return to Damascus from 15 July after an absence of around 14 years. Travellers should confirm that the first flights have operated before relying on the service.

Jazeera Airways has also announced plans to fly from Kuwait to Deir ez-Zor from 25 July. This could eventually make travel to eastern Syria easier, but the route should still be considered planned until it appears as bookable and the first flight operates.

In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways is increasing its Damascus service from four flights per week to a daily flight from 15 July.

Together with the Air Arabia Abu Dhabi services to Damascus and Aleppo, this gives travellers more options for reaching Syria through the UAE.

Qatar Airways adds more capacity

Qatar Airways continues to operate between Doha and Damascus.

From July, the airline began using larger Boeing 777 aircraft on selected services. This does not represent a new route, but it adds more seats during a period of growing demand.

Doha remains one of the most convenient transit points for travellers coming from the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Australia and Asia.

The aircraft type may vary from one flight to another, so passengers should not base their booking decision on a specific plane.

Which airport should visitors use?

For most travellers, Damascus still offers the widest choice of international connections. It is usually the better option for tours focusing on Damascus, Palmyra, Bosra, Maaloula and central or southern Syria.

Aleppo is now a much more practical choice for travellers whose itinerary begins in the north.

A visitor could, for example, arrive in Aleppo, travel south through Syria and depart from Damascus. The opposite direction is also possible. This avoids unnecessary backtracking and gives tour operators more flexibility when designing itineraries.

Before booking, travellers should confirm their arrival airport with their tour company, particularly when using a newly launched service.

Check before you book

The expansion of Syria’s flight network is positive, but new routes can still change at short notice.

Before buying a ticket:

Check that the flight appears on the airline’s official booking system.
Confirm whether baggage is included in the fare.
Allow generous time between connecting flights.
Be cautious when booking separate, non-refundable tickets.
Recheck the schedule around 48 hours before travelling.
Check again on the day of departure.

Low-cost airlines may charge separately for checked luggage, meals and seat selection. Passengers connecting between different airlines may also need to collect their luggage and check in again.

Are Damascus and Aleppo airports operating?

Both Damascus International Airport and Aleppo International Airport are operating at the time of this update.

However, flight delays, cancellations and schedule changes remain possible because of airline decisions or wider regional developments. Final confirmation should always come from the operating airline.

Syrian Guides can arrange tours beginning in either Damascus or Aleppo, as well as itineraries that arrive through one city and depart through the other.

Information last checked on 14 July 2026. Flight schedules and launch dates remain subject to airline confirmation.