Kuwait Airways will resume direct flights between Damascus, the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic, and Kuwait City on July 15, 2026, marking the first time in 14 years the route has been offered. The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority announced the move on Wednesday, stating it was part of broader efforts to enhance air connectivity between Syria, the Middle East, and beyond, providing travelers with more options, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Background and Regional Context
The resumption follows the first flight to Syria by Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways, which landed last Thursday at Aleppo International Airport, the country’s second-largest airport after Damascus, carrying 148 passengers. This development comes after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, which ended nearly 14 years of civil war. Since then, at least 12 airlines have gradually resumed flights to and from Damascus and Aleppo.
Major Arab-operated airlines that have resumed services include Saudi Arabia’s flynas and Flyadeal, Qatar Airways, the UAE’s Etihad Airways, Royal Jordanian, and Libya’s Afriqiyah Airways. These carriers are re-establishing connections that were severed during the conflict.
Expanding International Links
On Thursday, Syrian Airlines will operate its first flight from Damascus to Amsterdam, marking a significant step in reconnecting Syria with European destinations. Flights between Syria and all European cities, except Moscow, were suspended during the war. The resumption of these routes signals a gradual normalization of air travel to and from Syria.
The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority emphasized that these efforts aim to strengthen Syria’s position as a regional aviation hub. The restoration of direct flights is expected to boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties, offering travelers more convenient options for connecting between the Middle East and beyond.
