Syrian Air takes off again: Direct flights to Dubai and Sharjah resume

yrian Air, the state-owned airline of Syria, has announced the resumption of its direct flights to Dubai and Sharjah, marking a significant development in the gradual normalization of ties between Syria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The airline made the announcement on its official Facebook page, stating that flights would restart as of Sunday.

This marks the first time flights have resumed between the two countries since January, when all air links were suspended following the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebel forces in December 2024. 

The new leadership in Damascus, under President Ahmad al-Chareh, has since taken steps to rebuild regional relations, culminating in a diplomatic visit to the UAE earlier this month.

During his visit, President al-Chareh met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a move widely viewed as symbolic of renewed engagement between Damascus and the Gulf state. 

Days later, the UAE’s Civil Aviation Authority gave the green light for the resumption of flights between the two countries. However, no UAE-based airline has yet announced plans to launch routes to Syria.

Syrian Air, known officially as Syrian Arab Airlines, operates a limited fleet of aging and poorly maintained aircraft, a reflection of the country’s decade-long conflict and international isolation. Despite its challenges, the airline continues to serve as Syria’s primary international carrier, connecting the country to a handful of regional destinations.

The resumption of these flights is not only a logistical milestone, but also a political signal that Syria is seeking to re-enter the international fold under its new leadership. However, the extent to which these changes will translate into broader regional or global normalization remains to be seen.