Emirates returns to Damascus, reconnecting Syria to global network
Tri-weekly service to increase to daily from 26 October
DUBAI: Emirates has officially returned to Damascus, reintroducing the Syrian capital – known as the “City of Jasmine” – to its extensive Middle East network.
The world’s largest international airline landed in Syria yesterday, reconnecting the city with destinations across six continents.
Flight EK913 touched down at Damascus International Airport at 2:30 pm carrying 286 passengers. The arrival was marked with a traditional water cannon salute and a welcoming ceremony attended by top dignitaries and airline executives.
Dignitaries aboard
The UAE delegation was led by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency. Joining him onboard were several senior Emirates officials, including Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer; Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President International Affairs; Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre); Sami Aqil, Senior Vice President – Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support; Nick Moore, Senior Vice President, Passenger and Hub Operations; and Ahmad Al Khamis, Vice President, Aeropolitical Affairs.
Also present were senior representatives from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Police, UAE media, and other distinguished guests.
Ceremonial welcome
The inaugural flight was greeted by a Syrian delegation that included Hasan Ahmed Al-Shehhi, UAE Ambassador to Syria; Amjad Nakhal, Director of the Chairman’s Office, General Authority of Civil Aviation; Anis Fallouh, Director of Damascus International Airport; and Colonel Omar Abdel Baqi, Head of Airport Security, among others.
A cake-cutting ceremony and symbolic gift exchange followed, highlighting the longstanding partnership and cooperation between the two nations.
Strategic significance
Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre) at Emirates, remarked: “Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the return of Emirates to Damascus. By providing our services and connecting Damascus to the world, we are helping to reunite families, friends, and communities who have long awaited easier access to their loved ones.”
He added that Emirates aims to support tourism, trade, and investment, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Syria, which began with the airline’s inaugural flights in 1988.
Alaa Sallal, Director of Public Relations at the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation, praised the close coordination between Syrian and Emirati authorities. He described the resumption of Emirates’ services as a reflection of the deepening economic and fraternal ties between the two countries.
Flight details
Emirates’ Damascus service initially operates three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. The schedule will increase to four weekly flights from 2 August, with daily operations planned from 26 October (subject to government approvals).
The route is served by a Boeing 777-200LR, configured with 38 Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 layout and 264 seats in Economy Class. Emirates customers can also benefit from the airline’s codeshare partnership with flydubai, offering enhanced connectivity options.
Onboard experience
Travellers can enjoy Emirates’ acclaimed hospitality, including a gourmet dining experience featuring Syrian-inspired dishes. Mezze appetisers, local ingredients like tahini, red pepper paste and olive oil, and expertly curated international meals are part of the in-flight offering.
Passengers also have access to Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system, with up to 6,500 channels. These include 650 Arabic options, 380 Arabic films (including 51 new releases), and popular Syrian dramas such as Nafas, Bi Al Dam, and Tout Al Aswad.
Tickets are available on the official website, the Emirates App, contact centres and travel agents.
Emirates first began flights to Damascus in 1988, carrying over 2.1 million passengers before suspending operations in 2012. The airline currently operates 194 weekly flights across 14 cities in the Middle East and GCC.