New Etihad route links Abu Dhabi and Damascus with 4 weekly flights
UAE–Syria trade rose 23% in 2024 to Dh2.5 billion
DUBAI – Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Damascus, with services beginning on 12 June 2026.
The Syrian capital, one of the world’s most historic cities, will become the latest addition to the airline’s fast-growing network.
The new service reflects strong demand for direct connections between the UAE, the wider Gulf, and Syria, while also providing travellers from Damascus with seamless links to Etihad’s global destinations via Zayed International Airport.
New route details
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY561 | Abu Dhabi | 09:15 | Damascus | 11:30 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | A320 |
| EY562 | Damascus | 15:00 | Abu Dhabi | 19:00 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | A320 |
The service will operate four times weekly, using Airbus A320 aircraft. Each flight will offer eight seats in Business and 150 in Economy, combining comfort and convenience with Etihad’s hospitality. The route is designed to enhance connectivity, reunite communities, and provide access to a city renowned for its cultural and historic significance.
Strengthening ties
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the expansion highlights the airline’s commitment to connecting people to meaningful destinations. He noted that the flights will serve both personal and commercial needs, particularly as trade between the UAE and Syria grew 23% year-on-year in 2024, reaching Dh2.5 billion ($680 million). More than 350,000 Syrians currently live in the UAE, contributing significantly across business, culture, and society.
Rapid expansion
Damascus becomes the 28th new destination Etihad has added in the past year. The airline has seen passenger numbers rise more than 80% compared with 2022, and is on track to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030. The launch of flights to Syria marks another step in Etihad’s wider strategy of meeting customer demand while deepening social, cultural, and economic connections across the region.
Travellers can book the new services and access more information at the official website.