Etihad Airways continues expanding its global network with the announcement of a key new destination in the Middle East: Damascus, Syria from June 2026.
The new route reflects growing demand from travellers in the UAE and GCC to connect directly to Damascus. Etihad’s new airbridge with Damascus also provides travellers from Syria with direct access to the beautiful emirate of Abu Dhabi. Travellers benefit from access to Etihad’s expansive global network, with seamless connections through Zayed International Airport.
Service to Damascus will commence in June 2026 with four weekly flights, operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight Business seats and 150 Economy seats, combining comfort, convenience, and the airline’s renowned hospitality. The new route enhances connectivity, reunites communities, and provides greater access to this culturally significant destination.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This new route reflects our commitment to connecting people to the places that matter most to them. We are proud to expand our network into Damascus – one of the world’s most historic and culturally important cities – and to support the Syrian population with direct links to and from Abu Dhabi, as well as convenient onward connections across our global network. With trade between the UAE and Syria continuing to grow strongly, and with a vibrant Syrian community contributing to the prosperity of the UAE, these new flights will further strengthen our social, cultural, and economic ties.”
In 2024, trade between the UAE and Syria grew 23% year-on-year to AED 2.5 billion ($680 million). The UAE is also home to more than 350,000 Syrians, whose contributions across business, culture and society have played a significant role in the nation’s development. The new flights will further strengthen these economic links and deepen the bonds between the two countries.
Damascus becomes the 28th new Etihad Airways destination announced within the last year.
