Qatar Airways announced the resumption of three weekly flights to Damascus, Syria, starting 7 January 2025. It marks the first time in almost 13 years that the Qatari carrier touched down in Syria.
This move signifies a crucial step in reconnecting the region. It will provide passengers with convenient access to the airline’s extensive global network of over 170 destinations.
Restart of Syria Operations
The decision to restart operations to Syria highlights the airline’s dedication to fostering regional connectivity and responding to passenger demand.
Qatar Airways is collaborating closely with relevant authorities to ensure the highest safety, security, and operational standards are met before the relaunch.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer spoke on the service resumption. “We are delighted to resume flights to Damascus, a city steeped in history and culture. This announcement underscores our commitment to enhancing connectivity and facilitating travel for our passengers.”
Passengers traveling to and from Damascus will enjoy the benefits of Qatar Airways’ renowned service. They have access to Hamad International Airport, consistently recognized as a world-class airport.
The airline’s global network will provide travelers with seamless connections to explore destinations worldwide, conveniently via its hub in Doha.
Past Security Issues with Flights to Syria
The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has created a complex and volatile security environment. The dynamic has significantly impacted air travel to the country. The ongoing conflict has led to:
Widespread violence: Airstrikes, shelling, and ground combat pose a direct threat to civilian aircraft and passengers.
Terrorism: The presence of various militant groups, including terrorist organizations, creates a heightened risk of attacks on airports and aircraft.
Air defense systems: The deployment of sophisticated air defense systems in Syria can pose a potential threat to civilian aircraft. These systems could mistakenly target or misidentify aircraft.
Political instability: The ongoing conflict and political instability create an unpredictable and potentially dangerous environment for travelers.
These factors have led many countries to issue strong travel advisories against non-essential travel to Syria. As a result, numerous airlines have suspended flights to the country due to safety and security concerns.
The return of Qatar Airways comes a month after Islamist-led rebels ousted Syrian ruler Bashar Al Assad, ending more than a decade of civil war.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, a global leader in aviation, is committed to providing a superior travel experience across all cabins of service. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, comprising a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft serving over 170 destinations worldwide.
Qatar Airways has consistently received numerous accolades, including being named “Airline of the Year” by the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards for several years.
Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘World’s Best Airport’, as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
In 2024, Hamad International Airport also received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for 10 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second year in a row.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
