On 29 October 2025 Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operated its inaugural flight to Damascus, marking the first regular commercial service between the UAE capital and the Syrian capital since 2011. The low-cost carrier will fly three times weekly, departing Abu Dhabi at 09:20 and arriving in Damascus at 11:50, with same-day return legs.
The launch reactivates a corridor vital for construction firms, humanitarian NGOs and family visitors who previously had to route through Sharjah or third-country hubs. Fares start at AED 899 one way, undercutting legacy-carrier prices by 30 per cent and offering baggage-inclusive options popular with long-stay travellers.
For corporate mobility managers the new route shortens total journey time by up to four hours, reduces per-diem spend and eases itinerary planning for engineers and project auditors working on UAE-funded infrastructure rebuilding in Syria. The move follows gradual UAE-Syria thawing, including the reopening of the Emirati embassy in Damascus and a series of investment-protection agreements.
Immigration formalities remain stringent: Syrian passengers require a pre-approved visit visa to the UAE, while UAE nationals still need security clearance to travel on business. Air Arabia has set up a dedicated visa-processing desk in partnership with authorised agencies to help Syrian professionals secure mission visas for training courses in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company expects an initial load factor of 70 per cent, with potential to scale to daily flights if demand justifies. Competitors are watching closely; industry analysts predict flydubai could reopen its own Dubai-Damascus service within the next six months.
The launch reactivates a corridor vital for construction firms, humanitarian NGOs and family visitors who previously had to route through Sharjah or third-country hubs. Fares start at AED 899 one way, undercutting legacy-carrier prices by 30 per cent and offering baggage-inclusive options popular with long-stay travellers.
For corporate mobility managers the new route shortens total journey time by up to four hours, reduces per-diem spend and eases itinerary planning for engineers and project auditors working on UAE-funded infrastructure rebuilding in Syria. The move follows gradual UAE-Syria thawing, including the reopening of the Emirati embassy in Damascus and a series of investment-protection agreements.
Immigration formalities remain stringent: Syrian passengers require a pre-approved visit visa to the UAE, while UAE nationals still need security clearance to travel on business. Air Arabia has set up a dedicated visa-processing desk in partnership with authorised agencies to help Syrian professionals secure mission visas for training courses in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company expects an initial load factor of 70 per cent, with potential to scale to daily flights if demand justifies. Competitors are watching closely; industry analysts predict flydubai could reopen its own Dubai-Damascus service within the next six months.
