Germany and Syria have restored direct air connectivity after nearly 14 years, with German airline Sundair operating the first direct flight between Berlin and Damascus.

The flight departed from Berlin and arrived at Damascus International Airport, marking the reopening of a route that had been suspended for more than a decade due to the impact of the Syrian conflict and the disruption of international air links.

The flight was carried out as part of efforts to expand Syria’s international aviation connections and reconnect its airports with foreign destinations.

Syria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Berlin, Mohammed Baraa Shukri, was among officials attending the program marking the resumption of the route.

Air transport agreement paves the way for renewed connections

The restoration of direct flights follows a new air transport agreement signed between Germany and Syria on July 16 in Damascus. The agreement created the legal framework needed to restart scheduled flights between the two countries.

Sundair’s Berlin-Damascus service is expected to be followed by further expansion of air links between Germany and Syria. The airline is also considering additional routes, including a direct connection between Berlin and Aleppo, as part of efforts to increase flight options between the two countries.

New routes planned as Syria seeks wider aviation links

Another German carrier, LEAV Aviation, has announced plans to introduce new scheduled services linking Germany with Syrian destinations. The company is preparing to launch flights connecting Düsseldorf and Damascus, while additional routes between German cities and Syria are also being planned.

Syrian aviation authorities said the restoration of direct flights would help improve passenger mobility, strengthen commercial ties and support the gradual return of Syrian airports to international air networks after years of disruption.

Economic and social impact expected

The reopening of direct flights is also expected to have social and economic implications, particularly for the large Syrian community in Germany. The new connections could facilitate family visits, business travel and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.

For Syria, restoring international flight networks represents another step toward rebuilding transportation links after years of disruption caused by conflict and restrictions on aviation.

Germany remains one of the countries with the largest Syrian communities in Europe, making direct air connections between the two countries strategically significant for passenger movement and economic relations.

With the launch of new routes by Sundair and LEAV Aviation, Germany-Syria air traffic is expected to gradually expand beyond the Berlin-Damascus connection.(ILKHA)