August 16, 2026, marked a landmark day for Syrian aviation. On this day, Syria's international air communications underwent significant changes, signaling the country's exit from transport isolation. Direct flight routes were simultaneously restored with two key nations—Russia and Germany. Experts view this event as a crucial step toward normalizing international ties and rebuilding the economy following a prolonged period of instability.
Resumption of Syrian Air Flights to Moscow
The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) officially granted the state carrier Syrian Air permission to operate regular flights between Damascus and Moscow. According to the approved schedule, flights will be conducted every Sunday using Airbus A320 aircraft. The plane lands at Sheremetyevo Airport at 7:00 AM local time, with the return departure to Damascus scheduled for 8:10 AM. This decision became possible after air traffic between the two countries was suspended in December 2024 due to the complex geopolitical situation in the region.
First Flight from Berlin in 14 Years
On the same day, August 15, a historic flight took place from Berlin to Damascus—the first in nearly 14 years. The flight was operated by the German airline Sundair, departing from Berlin Airport and landing at Damascus International Airport. This event was made possible by an air services agreement signed by Germany and Syria on July 16, 2026, in Damascus. The document laid the legal foundation for resuming direct flights and paved the way for further development of bilateral relations.
Expansion of Syria's Air Network
Syria is actively working to restore and expand its aviation infrastructure. In addition to flights to Moscow and Berlin, representatives of the Syrian aviation industry have announced plans to open new destinations. The German airline LEAV Aviation plans to operate one direct flight per week between Cologne and Deir ez-Zor starting September 1, 2026. This demonstrates the country's desire not only to restore old routes but also to create new transport corridors that promote trade and tourism.
Contradictory Data
While official sources confirm the resumption of flights, there are discrepancies regarding schedule details and flight frequency. For example, some sources indicate that Syrian Air flights will be daily, while others confirm only a weekly schedule. There is also no consensus on whether flights from Berlin will be regular or seasonal. These contradictions require further verification and clarification from airlines and regulators.
Significance for the Economy and International Relations
The resumption of air traffic with Russia and Germany has far-reaching consequences for Syria. It facilitates the movement of citizens, stimulates trade and investment activity, and strengthens diplomatic ties. For Russia, this is an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, while for Germany, it is a chance to restore economic and humanitarian channels with Syria. Experts believe these steps could become a catalyst for broader normalization of relations between Syria and Western countries.
