Syrian Airlines Unveils a New Look and Rebuilds Its Network: Routes, Fleet and Travel Tips

Syrian Airlines is rebuilding fast. On 5 October 2026 the national airline unveiled a new visual identity at Damascus International Airport, and it plans to double its fleet and almost triple its network by the end of the year. After more than a decade of war and sanctions, Syrian Airlines has returned to European cities including Amsterdam, Vienna and Copenhagen, and foreign airlines are coming back to Damascus and Aleppo.

This guide explains what has changed, why the airline can grow again, where it flies, and what travellers should know before booking a flight to Syria. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end.

Syrian Airlines at a Glance

Detail	What you need to know
Formal name	Syrian Arab Airlines, now branded Syrian Airlines
New identity unveiled	5 October 2026, at Damascus International Airport
New colours	Dark green and gold, replacing the previous blue livery
Fleet	Three operational aircraft at the start of 2026, six by October, target of 12 by year-end
Network	Nine destinations at the start of 2026, target of 25 by December
Main hub	Damascus International Airport
New booking platform	Due to start in November 2026

A Short History of Syrian Airlines

Syria’s first national airline, Syrian Airways, was founded in 1946. The current company, Syrian Arab Airlines, was formed in 1961 and for decades connected Damascus with cities across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. Before 2011, Syrian Airlines flights to European capitals were a normal part of travel between Syria and the large Syrian communities abroad.

The civil war that began in 2011 changed everything. In 2012 the European Union placed sanctions on the airline, ending its flights to the EU, and other countries took similar steps. Over the following years, Syrian Airlines was reduced to a small fleet and a short list of regional routes, while many travellers had to fly via Beirut or Amman and continue by road.

The new identity unveiled in October 2026 is the clearest sign yet that the airline wants to leave that period behind and present itself as a modern national carrier again.

A New Look in Green and Gold: The Syrian Airlines New Livery

The new colours were shown on Airbus A320 YK-AKJ, the first aircraft painted in the new scheme. Dark green and gold replace the airline’s previous blue livery, marking a clear break as the carrier rebuilds after the end of the Assad era in December 2024.

A new livery is more than decoration. For an airline trying to win back passengers and partners after years of isolation, a fresh identity signals a new start, new management priorities and a different relationship with the outside world. Expect the new colours to spread across the fleet as aircraft are repainted or delivered.

Why Syrian Airlines Can Grow Again

For years, international sanctions made it almost impossible for the airline to lease aircraft, buy spare parts, arrange insurance or work with foreign partners. Its fleet shrank, many aircraft were grounded, and the network was reduced to a handful of regional routes.

That began to change after the fall of the previous government in December 2024. The US and EU began lifting sanctions on Syria in 2025, and the US Treasury removed Syrian Arab Airlines from its sanctions list in June 2025. That opened the door to leasing, maintenance contracts and new partnerships, which the airline is now using to rebuild.

Help from partners

The airline has also used aircraft operated by other companies to restart routes quickly. Its return to several European markets began with an A320 operated by Lithuania’s Heston Airlines, a common arrangement known as a wet lease, where another airline provides the aircraft and crew.

Fleet and Network Plans for 2026

• Fleet: the airline started 2026 with three operational aircraft and had six by October. It aims for 12 by the end of the year.
• Used A320s: eight are being added. The first two, YK-AKI and YK-AKJ, arrived in August, and the rest will follow as technical and legal steps are completed.
• Destinations: the network is planned to grow from nine destinations at the start of 2026 to 25 by December.
• Booking: a new reservation platform is due to start in November 2026, which should make booking and managing tickets online easier.

These are ambitious targets for a small airline, and delays are possible. Treat the numbers as plans rather than guarantees, and only rely on flights that are actually on sale.

Where Syrian Airlines Flies in 2026

The network is changing month by month, but several key routes have been announced or restarted this year.

Route	Status in 2026
Damascus – Amsterdam	Resumed in July 2026, the first Western European route restored since the war
Damascus – Medina	Relaunched in August 2026, weekly
Damascus – Moscow	Direct flights announced from August 2026
Damascus – Vienna	Announced to start on 21 September 2026
Damascus – Copenhagen	Announced to start on 21 September 2026

The airline also serves regional destinations in the Middle East and the Gulf. Because schedules are being rebuilt, always check the latest timetable before you plan a trip.

Damascus Flights and Aleppo: The Airports

Damascus International Airport is the hub for Syrian Airlines and the main gateway to the country. It is being upgraded as more airlines return, so expect building work and some crowding at busy times. Allow plenty of time for check-in and security, especially on departure days with several international flights.

Aleppo International Airport is Syria’s second-largest airport and has seen a rapid return of flights in 2026, including from Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. An air corridor opened in March 2026 from Aleppo towards the Mediterranean helped commercial traffic restart there. For travellers from northern Syria, flying into Aleppo can save a long road journey from Damascus.

Interest in travel to Syria is growing quickly. The country recorded 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026, more than double the number a year earlier, which is one reason airlines are adding routes.

What the Comeback Means for Syrians Abroad

Millions of Syrians live outside the country, including at least one million in Germany and large communities in the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Turkey. For them, the return of Syrian Airlines flights to Europe is about much more than convenience.

• Shorter journeys: a direct flight from Amsterdam, Vienna or Copenhagen replaces a long trip via a third country and an overland border crossing.
• Family visits: elderly relatives and families with children can travel more easily.
• Lower costs: more competition on flights to Syria should, over time, bring fares down.
• Business links: traders and investors can travel more quickly as the economy reopens.

At the same time, every traveller’s situation is different. People with refugee or protection status in Europe should check carefully how travel to Syria could affect their status before booking.

Other Airlines Returning to Syria

Syrian Airlines is not the only airline flying to Syria again. Several foreign airlines have restarted or launched flights to Damascus and Aleppo in 2026:

• From Germany: LEAV Aviation started flights from Düsseldorf and Cologne in summer 2026, and Sundair began Berlin–Damascus flights in August, the first direct links between Germany and Syria in about 14 years.
• From Romania: Dan Air became the first EU airline to restart regular flights, on its Bucharest–Damascus route.
• From Turkey and the Gulf: SunExpress flies to Aleppo from Antalya, and flynas flies from Riyadh, alongside many regional routes from Turkey, Jordan and the Gulf.

Major European, Asian and North American network airlines have not yet returned, so most journeys from further afield still involve a connection.

How to Get to Syria: Your Options for Flights to Syria

Depending on where you start, there are several ways to reach Damascus or Aleppo.

Direct flights

From Amsterdam, Vienna, Copenhagen, several German cities, Bucharest and Moscow, there are now direct flights on Syrian Airlines or other airlines. These are the simplest option if they match your dates, but frequencies are often low.

Connecting through a regional hub

Many travellers connect through Istanbul, Amman, Beirut, Dubai or Doha. Compare connections on Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Middle East Airlines and Gulf airlines. A single ticket that covers both flights protects you if the first flight is delayed.

Overland via neighbouring countries

Before direct flights returned, many Syrians flew to Beirut or Amman and travelled overland. This is still possible, but border rules, road conditions and safety can change, so check official advice before you plan an overland route.

Comparing Your Options for Flights to Syria

Option	Pros	Cons
Syrian Airlines direct	No connection; national airline network	Low frequencies; schedules still changing
Foreign airline direct	More choice from Germany, Romania, Turkey and the Gulf	Limited routes; some are seasonal
Connection via a hub	Many daily options and wider choice of airlines	Longer journey; check transit rules
Fly and travel overland	Useful when flights are full	Border and road conditions can change

For most travellers, the best approach is to compare a direct flight with a one-stop connection on the same day, looking at total journey time, baggage allowance and price. You can start your search on the FlightSelects flight search.

What to Watch Next

• Fleet growth: whether Syrian Airlines reaches its target of 12 aircraft by the end of 2026.
• Network growth: progress towards 25 destinations, and which European cities are added next.
• Online booking: the launch of the new reservation platform, due in November 2026.
• Big airlines returning: whether major European, Asian or North American airlines restart flights to Damascus.
• Safety oversight: how the aviation authority strengthens oversight as traffic grows, which will matter to regulators abroad.

Before You Book: Safety and Travel Advice

Travel to Syria is changing quickly, and conditions vary across the country. Before you book any flight, take these steps:

1. Check your government’s travel advice: many governments still advise against travel to all or part of Syria, and this affects whether your travel insurance is valid.
2. Check your insurance: standard policies may not cover Syria at all, so look for specialist cover if you need it.
3. Check entry rules: make sure you understand visa and passport requirements for your nationality before you travel.
4. Watch for schedule changes: new routes can be delayed or changed, and regional events can affect airspace.
5. Keep documents and copies: carry printed copies of tickets, bookings and important documents.

Booking and Baggage on Syrian Airlines

Until the new reservation platform launches, booking Syrian Airlines can be less straightforward than booking a large international airline. Some routes are sold through travel agents, partner airlines or the operating airline when a wet-leased aircraft is used.

• Check the operating carrier: if another airline operates your flight, its baggage rules and check-in times may apply.
• Confirm your baggage allowance in writing: allowances can differ between routes and fare types, so make sure it is shown on your ticket.
• Keep your booking reference handy: you may need it to check your flight status by phone or through an agent.
• Pay attention to time changes: new routes sometimes move to different days or times after tickets go on sale.

As Syrian Airlines adds aircraft and launches online booking, these processes should become simpler. For now, a little extra checking before departure avoids most problems.

Visiting Syria: Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you are travelling to Syria for the first time, or for the first time in many years, a few practical points are worth knowing before you go:

• Money: carry enough cash for the first days of your trip, as international cards may not work everywhere.
• Phone and internet: check whether your mobile plan works in Syria, or plan to buy a local SIM card on arrival.
• Entry rules: visa rules depend on your nationality and can change, so check with the relevant embassy before travel.
• Getting around: arrange transfers from the airport in advance, particularly for late-night arrivals.
• Local advice: follow the guidance of local contacts and your hotel on which areas to visit.

Why the Expansion Matters for the Region

A working national airline is an important part of any country’s recovery. Syrian Airlines connects families, supports trade, brings in visitors and earns foreign currency. As the network grows, Damascus could again become a regional connecting point, as the aviation authority hopes. Rising overflight traffic in Syrian airspace in 2026 also shows that the country is becoming part of regional air routes again, which could bring in fees and investment.

Tips for Flying Syrian Airlines

• Confirm your flight shortly before travel: the schedule is changing quickly, so check your booking a few days before you fly.
• Book through official channels: use the airline’s own website once the new booking platform launches, or a reputable travel agent.
• Check the operating airline: some flights may be operated by a partner airline, which can affect baggage rules and check-in.
• Arrive early: allow plenty of time at the airport, particularly at Damascus, where facilities are still being upgraded.
• Pack power banks in your cabin bag: and follow the latest rules in our power bank guide.

Family Trip Checklist

Many people flying to Syria in 2026 are visiting family for the first time in years. This checklist covers the essentials:

1. Check passports for everyone in the family, including children, and make sure they are valid for the whole trip.
2. Read your government’s latest travel advice and confirm what your travel insurance covers.
3. Confirm your flights a few days before departure and again on the day of travel.
4. Weigh your bags and check the allowance for each flight, especially if you change airlines on the way.
5. Pack medicines, documents and valuables in your cabin bag, along with a change of clothes.
6. Arrange airport pick-up in advance, and share your flight details with the family meeting you.
7. Carry enough cash for the first few days and a small amount of foreign currency for emergencies.
8. Save important phone numbers, including your embassy, on paper as well as on your phone.

A little preparation goes a long way, particularly while schedules, airport facilities and services are still being rebuilt.

Syrian Airlines FAQs

Facts checked in October 2026 against AirData News on the new identity, Yeni Safak on Vienna and Copenhagen, Arab News on Germany–Syria flights and Al-Monitor on new routes. Plans can change, so check with the airline before you travel.