Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced plans to strengthen its global route network by adding the Syrian capital, Damascus, as a major new destination in the Middle East, starting in June 2026.
Meeting Growing Demand and Connecting Cultures
This announcement comes in response to growing demand from travelers in the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) for direct flights to Syria. The new service would not only provide greater convenience for travelers from the Gulf region, but also give Syrian travelers direct access to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and, onward, to Etihad Airways’ extensive global network via its hub at Zayed International Airport, which offers seamless flight connections to dozens of destinations worldwide.
Operational Details and Service Excellence
The new flights to Damascus are scheduled to commence in June 2026, operated four times weekly on Etihad Airways Airbus A320 aircraft. The aircraft are designed to provide a premium travel experience, featuring eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, ensuring passengers enjoy a unique blend of comfort, luxury, and the authentic Arabian hospitality for which Etihad Airways is renowned.
Strengthening Historical and Economic Ties
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said, “This new route reflects our unwavering commitment to connecting people to the places that matter to them. We are proud to expand our network to include Damascus, one of the world’s most historically and culturally significant cities, and to support the Syrian people by offering direct flights to and from Abu Dhabi, in addition to convenient connections across our global network.”
Neves added, “With the continued strong growth in trade between the UAE and Syria, and with a vibrant Syrian community contributing significantly to the country’s prosperity, these new flights will further strengthen and consolidate our social, cultural, and economic ties.”
Figures Supporting Growth
This announcement comes amid significant growth in economic relations between the two countries. In 2024, trade between the UAE and Syria jumped 23% year-on-year, reaching 2.5 billion Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) $680 million. The UAE hosts over 350,000 Syrian nationals who positively contribute to the development of the country’s business and cultural sectors, making these new flights a pivotal factor in supporting these growing ties.
An Ambitious Expansion Strategy
Damascus represents the 28th destination announced by Etihad Airways to its network during the current period, as part of the airline’s rapid expansion strategy. Etihad Airways has witnessed significant growth, with passenger numbers increasing by more than 80% compared to 2022 levels, and continues its ambitious journey towards its goal of carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030.
The new Damascus service is an integral part of Etihad Airways’ broader strategy to serve the destinations its customers desire, while contributing to supporting the economic and cultural ties between Abu Dhabi and the wider region.
