Damascus, July 2 (SANA) The first direct Syrian Airlines flight from Amsterdam arrived at Damascus International Airport on Thursday, resuming service on the route after a years-long suspension, the airline announced.
Syrian Aviation Holding Company CEO Anwar Aqqad told SANA that operating the first flights between Damascus and Amsterdam represents an essential link connecting Syrian expatriates to their homeland. He described the step as the first in a series of international destinations that will be announced successively. He noted there are positive indicators regarding European operators entering the Syrian flight route network.
The airline has begun operating three weekly flights on the Damascus-Amsterdam route, with studied plans to increase the number of flights depending on developments in air traffic exchange, Aqqad said.
The resumption follows extensive technical, legal and diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring the carrier’s presence in European markets, the airline said in a previous statement on June 26. Syrian Airlines has been gradually rebuilding its fleet, increasing operational aircraft and introducing digital booking and payment services.
Syria’s civil aviation sector has seen notable recovery, with passenger traffic at Damascus International Airport surpassing 148,000 in May 2026 and 12 airlines now operating to and from Syria. The Syrian authority of civil aviation is also holding talks with several other European countries on restoring direct air links.
KhA / Mzn