UAE to resume flights to Syria, regulator says

Some international airlines restarted services when the Assad regime collapsed in December

A Syrian Air plane lands at Aleppo International Airport after services resumed on March 18. EPA

The General Civil Aviation Authority has announced the resumption of flights between the UAE and Syria.

The GCAA said on Monday that the countries are co-ordinating to restart flights between them “in a manner that enhances air traffic and supports passenger and cargo movement”.

The decision came after Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara visited the UAE on Sunday for the first time since taking office.

He met President Sheikh Mohamed, who said the UAE would “spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria” and help the country to rebuild.

Countries had suspended flights to and from Syria during the civil war, but some have resumed routes since the removal of Bashar Al Assad from the Syrian presidency in December. Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Damascus on January 23, while Qatar Airways restarted on January 7.

International flights resume from Damascus – in pictures

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  The first international commercial flight since the downfall of former president Bashar Al Assad arrives at Damascus airport. Reuters

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  Syrians wait to welcome their relatives at Damascus airport. AP

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  A Syrian passenger on the first international commercial flight to the capital since the fall of the Assad regime is welcomed with a coffee. AP

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  Travellers arrive in Damascus. The Assad regime was toppled by rebel groups last month. AFP

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  Airlines halted services to the Syrian capital last month after the downfall of the Assad regime. AFP

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  Syrians gather inside Damascus airport to welcome their relatives. AP

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  A traveller arrives at the airport. Some airlines in the regoin have not yet announced plans to resume flights to the Syrian capital. AFP

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  A Syrian celebrates after arriving in Damascus. Travel experts have said security will keep key to convincing more airlines to resume flights to the city. AP

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  Syrians wait to welcome travellers to Damascus. Flights from Doha have resumed for the first time in 13 years, while a Syrian Air flight took off for Sharjah airport. AP

In January, a Syrian Airlines flight to Sharjah was the first international commercial flight to depart from Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime.

“We welcome the latest announcement which reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to fostering regional connectivity,” a flydubai spokesperson told The National.

“We continue to co-ordinate closely with the relevant authorities, and any announcements regarding the resumption of operations to Syria will be made once all the necessary preparations and approvals are in place.”

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi also said it was awaiting official guidance from the General Civil Aviation Authority.

"Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is continuously exploring exciting opportunities to expand its network and enhance regional connectivity. While this destination is under consideration, there are no updates to share just yet," the airline said on Tuesday.

In January, the airline's managing director Johan Eidhagen had told The National that the decision on whether to begin flights to Syria would depend on the Damascus airport's reliability, safety and security.

Mr Eidhagen at the time said he believed Wizz Air would fly into Syria “at some point” if the country continued its improvements.

Syria remains under western sanctions that have made economic recovery difficult. Mr Al Shara and Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani have been campaigning to have them lifted. The US said it approved of Mr Al Shara's government reshuffle last month but was not ready to lift sanctions. The EU has lifted some restrictions, allowing local banks to move money.