For the first time in over a decade, a passenger aircraft from a European Union member state has landed in Damascus. The small Romanian airline Dan Air has launched a direct flight from Bucharest to the Syrian capital, Damascus.
An airline representative confirmed that the inaugural flight, carrying 138 passengers, including several Syrian government officials, successfully landed in Damascus. This move signals a cautious resumption of civil air traffic between Europe and Syria after years of bloody civil war and international sanctions. Dan Air plans to serve this route four times a week and will soon offer connecting flights from Berlin to Damascus. Other European cities, such as Frankfurt and Stockholm, are expected to follow.
Historic landing in Damascus: A sign of normalization?
The landing of the Dan Air flight from Bucharest in Damascus on the morning of June 16, 2025, represents a symbolic moment. Since 2012, the beginning of the armed conflict in Syria, which led to widespread isolation in the country, there have been no commercial flights from EU countries to the Syrian capital. The Syrian news agency Sana emphasized the historic significance of this event. The fact that several Syrian government officials were also on board underscores the political dimension and Syria's interest in restoring international connectivity.
Years of civil war, which began in 2011 and raged until the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad at the end of last year, had brought civil air traffic to a near standstill. Many international airlines had suspended their flights, and Western states had imposed far-reaching sanctions and travel restrictions. The resumption of this flight service by a European airline indicates a change in the political and economic climate.
The timing of the flight is remarkable and coincides with recent political developments. US President Donald Trump recently announced the lifting of sanctions against Syria. At the same time, the European Union and other Western states also lifted several trade restrictions that had been imposed due to the brutal crackdown on civilians by the now-deposed government. This easing of international restrictions creates the conditions for a cautious rapprochement and the revival of trade relations and travel.
Dan Air: A small airline dares to build a bridge
Dan Air is a relatively young and small Romanian airline. According to available information, the airline currently operates a fleet of only three aircraft. Despite its small size, Dan Air is taking a pioneering role by being the first EU airline in a long time to offer direct commercial flights to Damascus.
Matt Ian David, Managing Director of Dan Air, expressed confidence in the resumption of services: "Dan Air is reopening the door to trade relations with Syria." He emphasized that all flights would be "operated in compliance with all safety standards" to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for travelers. This emphasis on safety standards is particularly important given that Syria has been considered a conflict zone for years, potentially affecting its air transport infrastructure. Compliance with international safety regulations is crucial for passenger confidence and the acceptance of such routes.
The Bucharest-Damascus route is served four times a week, providing a regular connection. However, Dan Air's plans extend beyond Bucharest. The airline's booking form indicates that connecting flights from Berlin to Damascus will be available as early as next month. This opens up a new option for German travelers to reach Syria, which in recent years has been largely unavailable or has only existed via complicated routes with multiple stopovers. The Syrian news agency Sana also reports that Dan Air plans to add further connections from Frankfurt and Stockholm in the future. If these plans are realized, it would significantly expand Dan Air's network to Syria and further improve the country's connectivity with major European cities.
The path to normalization: challenges and perspectives
The resumption of air traffic to Syria is a small but significant step toward a possible normalization of the country's relations with the international community. Following the fall of the Assad regime at the end of last year, the political landscape in Syria has changed, opening the door to new developments. The lifting of some international sanctions and trade restrictions creates a framework for the resumption of economic activities and travel.
However, the situation in Syria remains complex. Although the civil war has diminished in intensity and the Assad regime has been overthrown, the political and economic challenges remain immense. Rebuilding the country, welcoming the return of displaced persons, and establishing stable government structures will take years, if not decades. The infrastructure of many cities is severely damaged, and the economy is in ruins.
However, the resumption of air traffic can serve as a catalyst for a cautious revival. Direct flights not only facilitate visits to relatives and friends, but also business trips and the transport of aid supplies or skilled workers for reconstruction. For Syria, connections to European cities represent the opportunity to become more fully integrated into global exchanges, even if political relations are still far from fully normalized.
Other airlines could follow Dan Air's example, especially if the security situation continues to stabilize and the political environment becomes more favorable. However, it is expected that established major airlines with larger fleets and more complex security procedures will adopt a wait-and-see approach and closely monitor developments before also launching direct flights to Damascus. For now, Dan Air is an important player, bridging the gap between Europe and Syria and nurturing hopes for the country's gradual recovery.
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