Syrian Airlines resumes Damascus-Moscow flights after 18-month suspension

Syrian Airlines has resumed direct flights between Damascus and Moscow after a 18-month suspension, according to Xinhua. A returning flight from Moscow touched down at Damascus International Airport in the afternoon, marking the first round trip between the capitals since regular services were halted in December 2024. Sameh Orabi, assistant head of Syria's General Authority of Civil Aviation, indicated the restored service would be especially beneficial to the Syrian diaspora in Russia, emphasizing that the Moscow route is part of Syrian Airlines' efforts to broaden its network.

Zaur Guseinov, Russia's charge d'affaires in Damascus, highlighted the resumption as a significant development that could bolster bilateral cooperation, noting that it would facilitate exchanges of delegations and closer contacts among representatives from various sectors. Passenger Mahmoud Mustafa Niq, who boarded the Sunday flight from Moscow, expressed relief at the return of the service, stating that the suspension had complicated travel arrangements and that he had promptly booked his ticket upon learning of the restoration.

Niq voiced optimism that Syrian Airlines would soon restore connections with additional destinations globally. The reinstatement of the Moscow route signifies Damascus and Moscow's efforts to revitalize bilateral ties after political shifts in Syria in 2024, with both nations aiming to sustain cooperation across diverse domains.