DUBAI, 17th July, 2025 (WAM) — Emirates has formally restarted flights to the Syrian capital, Damascus, signifying the reintegration of the “City of Jasmine” into its Middle East route network.
The airline’s return links travelers back to Syria and continues across six continents.
Airline EK913 arrived at Damascus International Airport at 14:30, carrying 286 travelers, and was greeted with a water cannon salute.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, led the UAE delegation on board the flight alongside Emirates executives who participated in the ceremony upon arrival. These included Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer; Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President for International Affairs; Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (Centre); Sami Aqil, Senior Vice President – Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support; Nick Moore, Senior Vice President for Passenger and Hub operations; and Ahmad Al Khamis, Vice President for Aeropolitical Affairs.
The team also comprised Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director-General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority; Obaid Saif Mohammed Alnuaimi, Executive Director of the Aviation Security and Accident Investigation Sector at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Hamad Ibrahim Essa Taher, Head of Aviation Security at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; and Ahmed Saqer Al Marri from Dubai Group Security within the Dubai Police; along with UAE media representatives and other notable guests.
The initial flight was received by a high-profile delegation comprising Hasan Ahmed Al Shehhi, the United Arab Emirates’ Ambassador to Syria; Amjad Nakhal, Director of the Chairman’s Office at the General Authority of Civil Aviation; Anis Fallouh, Director of Damascus International Airport; Colonel Omar Abdel Baqi, Head of Security at Damascus International Airport; and Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Other officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Damascus International Airport, along with media personnel, were also present.
Adil Al Ghaith stated, “Today represents a major achievement as we commemorate the return of Emirates to Damascus. Through linking Syria to approximately 150 destinations, our goal is to promote tourism, commerce, and investment, and assist in the nation’s revival. The UAE and Syria have long-standing relationships, and we appreciate the efforts of the authorities from both sides in restarting operations.”
To mark the relaunch, Emirates’ leadership and Syrian officials participated in a cake-cutting and gift-giving ceremony.
Alaa Sallal, the Public Relations Director at Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, stated, “Thanks to high-level collaboration and a common vision, teams from Syria and the UAE fulfilled all necessary conditions to restart air services, demonstrating the robustness of bilateral relations and economic partnership.”
Emirates will start with three weekly flights to Damascus on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, expanding to four weekly flights from August 2nd, and then to daily services from October 26th. Passengers will also gain from Emirates’ codeshare agreement with flydubai, offering better connectivity.
The airline initially started flights to Damascus in 1988, and prior to ceasing activities in 2012, had carried more than 2.1 million travelers.
Emirates currently provides 194 weekly flights to 14 cities within the Middle East and GCC.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).