A commercial aircraft from the European Union landed in Damascus for the first time in over 12 years on Monday, marking a significant development in regional aviation.
The flight, operated by Romanian budget airline Dan Air, arrived from Bucharest with 138 passengers aboard — comprising both Syrian citizens and foreign nationals — according to the airline’s local representative, Mohammed al-Raz. The return journey departed Damascus with 125 travellers.
This historic flight is the first EU-based commercial service to Syria since early 2012, when worsening violence and diplomatic breakdowns prompted the suspension of all European carriers’ operations and the closure of embassies across the country.
Dan Air, which currently operates a small fleet of three aircraft, has announced plans to fly the Bucharest–Damascus route four times per week. In a company statement, CEO Matt Ian David said: “Dan Air is reopening the door to trade relations with Syria.”
The airline’s booking system also shows that from July, passengers will be able to fly from Berlin to Damascus via connecting flights. Routes from Frankfurt and Stockholm are expected to be introduced shortly thereafter.
The renewed air link signals an incremental shift in Syria’s international connectivity, although diplomatic relations between the Syrian government and many EU member states remain strained, and sanctions are still in place.
Nevertheless, Dan Air’s move could pave the way for gradual reintegration of Syria into parts of the global travel network, particularly through non-mainstream European carriers.
