Dan Air resumes passenger flights from EU to Damascus

For the first time in many years, a passenger plane from a European Union country has landed in Damascus, marking a significant development in air travel and international relations. On June 16, 2025, the small Romanian airline Dan Air conducted a flight from Bucharest, carrying 138 passengers, which included several members of the Syrian government. This event represents a critical step toward reinstating commercial air traffic to Syria, a country deeply affected by a long-standing civil war that began in 2011. The flight signifies the beginning of renewed connections between Syria and European nations after years of isolation due to civil conflict and economic sanctions. In conjunction with Dan Air's Bucharest to Damascus service, which will operate four times a week, there are plans to introduce additional routes from other major European cities. A connecting flight from Berlin is anticipated to begin shortly, alongside possible services from Frankfurt and Stockholm. The return of commercial flights from the EU is undoubtedly a response to the recent shifts in geopolitical circumstances, including the lifting of economic sanctions by the United States and the European Union against Syria's erstwhile government after political changes in the country. Dan Air is a low-cost airline with just three aircraft, but its initiative is seen as a groundbreaking move to rekindle trade relations with Syria. According to Dan-Air CEO Matt Ian David, the airline is committed to ensuring that all flights adhere to safety standards, providing a reliable travel experience for passengers. The significance of the flight stems not only from its logistical implications but also from its symbolic meaning concerning the ongoing attempts to normalize relations between Syria and the EU, which have remained strained due to the civil war and previous governmental actions. The air transport landscape in Syria may witness ongoing transformations as the absence of flights had hampered trade and tourism opportunities. Dan Air's entry into this market may pave the way for broader economic interactions and the rebuilding of relations that have been dormant for many years. It remains to be seen how this will influence the political and economic environment in Syria as international players reassess their positions following the war and changes in governance. Dan Air’s flights may represent a cautious but hopeful step toward the gradual normalization of international ties and the restoration of travel links that once existed in the region.