Etihad Airways will resume direct services to Damascus, Syria, starting June 12, 2026. With four weekly flights operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, the move marks a significant milestone in reconnecting the UAE and Syria after over a decade, strengthening economic, social, and cultural links while tapping into growing passenger and trade demand.
Etihad Airways reconnects with Damascus after 14 years
Etihad Airways has officially announced its return to Damascus with the launch of a new route set to begin on June 12, 2026. This marks the resumption of direct flights to Syria after services were suspended in 2012 due to the country’s civil conflict.The new schedule includes four weekly flights operated every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, departing from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and arriving at Damascus International Airport.Flight Details:
The service will use Airbus A320 aircraft, equipped with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, offering a balance of comfort and convenience in line with Etihad’s service standards.
Etihad Airways expands network to meet travel and trade demand
The decision to add Damascus to Etihad’s growing network is based on increased demand from both UAE and GCC-based travellers seeking direct access to Syria. It also opens up inbound access to Abu Dhabi for travellers from Syria, connecting them to Etihad’s global network via Zayed International Airport.According to Etihad, this move supports the airline’s broader strategy to serve destinations driven by customer demand and to promote stronger regional ties.Key strategic drivers:
- Expanding network: Damascus becomes the 28th new destination announced in the past year alone.
- Passenger growth: Etihad has increased passenger numbers by more than 80% since 2022.
- Future growth targets: The airline is on track to handle 38 million passengers annually by 2030.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the importance of this route, stating:“We are proud to expand our network into Damascus – one of the world’s most historic and culturally important cities – and to support the Syrian population with direct links to and from Abu Dhabi. These new flights will further strengthen our social, cultural, and economic ties.”
Etihad Airways strengthens UAE-Syria relations through direct connectivity
The resumption of flights is seen as a step toward deeper cooperation between the UAE and Syria, aligning with recent diplomatic engagement. Notably, the UAE hosted Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara in April — his first visit since taking office — during which UAE President Sheikh Mohamed pledged to provide full support to Syria’s reconstruction efforts.The resumption also comes at a time of strengthening bilateral trade, which saw a 23% year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching AED 2.5 billion (US $680 million).Additionally, the UAE is home to over 350,000 Syrians, whose contributions span various sectors including business, culture, and civil society.
Etihad Airways joins regional carriers in rebuilding Syria air links
Etihad joins a growing list of UAE airlines resuming services to Syria following years of suspension due to conflict. Other carriers that have already reinstated operations include:
Flydubai – Launched daily flights to Damascus in June.Emirates andAir Arabia – Resumed services in July, from Dubai and Sharjah respectively.- Syrian Air – Re-established routes to Dubai and Sharjah in April.
- Fly Cham (Syria) – Operating routes between Damascus and both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The combined resumption of services indicates a regional normalization of air travel with Syria and reflects a wider shift in regional diplomacy and economic reintegration.
