The United Arab Emirates has announced the resumption of air travel with Syria, marking a significant step toward restoring bilateral ties following recent political changes in Damascus.
In a statement issued late Monday, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that efforts are underway to restart flights between the UAE and the Syrian Arab Republic. “Joint coordination is currently underway to complete the necessary procedures for restarting flights between the two countries, in a manner that enhances air traffic and supports passenger and cargo movement between them,” the statement read.
Air travel between the two nations had been suspended in early January 2025 following the fall of President Bashar Al-Assad’s government in Syria. The first sign of resumption came shortly after, when a Syrian Airlines flight carrying 145 passengers took off from Damascus for Sharjah on January 7 — the first international commercial flight from Syria since the regime change.
The latest announcement follows a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al Sharaa. The talks focused on regional stability and Syria’s post-conflict recovery, with Sheikh Mohamed reiterating the UAE’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He also pledged the UAE’s continued assistance during Syria’s transitional period and reconstruction efforts. The meeting marks the highest-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries since the political upheaval in Syria.
The resumption of flights is expected to boost both passenger and cargo traffic, opening the door for increased economic cooperation and humanitarian aid. It also signals the UAE’s intention to play a leading role in Syria’s reintegration into the regional and international community.
The move comes amid wider efforts by Arab states to re-establish ties with Damascus. Just last week, Saudi Arabia’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced plans to send a technical team to Syria to assess the feasibility of restoring flights between the two countries.
Analysts view the normalization of air travel as a practical step toward deeper political and economic engagement, with implications for trade, migration, and reconstruction projects in the war-torn country.
No specific timeline has been given for the full resumption of flights, but officials say technical and regulatory arrangements are progressing.
