After 13 years, Qatar Airways to resume flights to Syria

Doha: Qatar Airways, Qatar's national carrier, announced the resumption of three weekly flights to Damascus, Syria, from January 7, 2025.

Qatar Airways has become the first of the ME3 carriers to resume flights to the Syrian capital after rebels deposed Bashar Al Assad and his family's 50-year rule. The Doha-based airline last served the country's capital, Damascus, nearly 13 years ago.

The airline said in a statement that this marks a significant step in reconnecting the region and providing passengers with seamless access to Qatar Airways' extensive global network of more than 170 destinations.

It added, "The decision to restart operations in Syria reflects the airline's commitment to fostering regional connectivity and supporting passenger demand. Qatar Airways is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary safety, security, and operational standards are met ahead of the relaunch."

A thrice-weekly service will launch on Tuesday, January 7, following which the carrier's reservation systems show the route operating on Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said, "We are pleased to resume flights to Damascus, a great historical and cultural destination. This announcement underscores our dedication to fostering connectivity and facilitating travel for our passengers."

Few international airlines have operated services to/from Damascus International Airport recently. Iranian and Iraqi carriers serve a handful of routes, while Syrian Air operates flights to destinations including Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai. Cham Wings Airlines, a private Syrian carrier, also serves Abu Dhabi and other routes in the region.

The first flight since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad took off on Wednesday from Damascus airport to Aleppo in the country's north, AFP reported a fortnight ago.