Syrian Airlines Launches Berlin to Damascus Flights
While Syria’s flag carrier adds a route to the German capital, Emirates postponed its plan to do the same.
On November 11, 2026, Syrian Airlines began operating flights from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Damascus, marking its addition to the airport's network. The direct flight, utilizing an Airbus A320 capable of seating 156 passengers, takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes to traverse. This new route was established following an air transport agreement between Germany and Syria, signed in mid-July.
The decision to establish this connection was welcomed by Aletta von Massenbach, the head of the airport operator, who emphasized its significance for Berlin and Brandenburg residents with familial, cultural, or business ties to Syria. The airport operator highlighted that the weekly Tuesday and Friday departures provide weekend travelers with flexible options.
Established in 1946 and headquartered in Damascus, Syrian Airlines currently serves 18 destinations across Syria, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, including Amsterdam, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Dubai. The airline's fleet primarily consists of Airbus, Boeing, and regional aircraft. In line with a modernization initiative, Syrian Airlines acquired its first A320 jets this year.
Meanwhile, Emirates, another airline with Middle Eastern origins, has suspended its plans to serve Berlin Brandenburg Airport for now. The delay stems from negotiations with the German government, which granted Emirates additional traffic rights under a 2026 agreement. Although the talks initially proceeded smoothly, the final terms of the agreement did not meet Emirates' expectations.
President of Emirates, Tim Clark, expressed hope for further discussions to clarify certain aspects of the agreement. If the government agrees to make concessions, Emirates could commence service to BER from April 1, 2026. However, this timeline remains contingent on further clarity.
Emirates had long sought to offer a nonstop connection between Berlin and Dubai, as the route would enable passengers to connect with the carrier's Dubai hub and access numerous other international destinations. Notably, Eurowings plans to introduce a weekly flight to Dubai from Berlin Brandenburg starting November 25, as part of its winter schedule.
Written by urgent.news from The Berlin Spectator's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
