Two German Airlines to Launch Direct Scheduled Flights to Syria

Launch of Direct Air Routes

Syria's General Authority for Civil Aviation announced on Monday the commencement of direct, scheduled air services between Syria and Germany, operated by two German carriers. The authority described the development as part of a broader effort to expand the network of destinations served by Syrian airports and to provide additional travel options for passengers between the two countries.

Sundair Flight Schedule

Sundair will operate direct scheduled services on the following routes:

• Berlin to Damascus: from 1 August 2025.
• Berlin to Aleppo: from 1 October 2025.

LEAV Aviation Flight Schedule

LEAV Aviation will launch its direct scheduled services as follows:

• Düsseldorf to Damascus: from 29 July 2025.
• Cologne to Aleppo: from 1 August 2025.

Regulatory Context and Lifting of the Ban

The announcement follows a period of regulatory uncertainty. In June, the authority had denied granting any final approvals for direct flights, stating that completing the process remained contingent on obtaining the necessary regulatory and operational clearances from the competent German federal authorities, alongside the fulfilment of technical procedures governed by the applicable legal frameworks between both sides.

A German government source had previously indicated to Syrian media that the ban on direct flights between the two countries was expected to expire by the end of July 2025, to be replaced by a non-binding recommendation against operations rather than a formal prohibition. This shift would allow airlines to resume direct services once all regulatory and technical requirements are met.

Significance for Air Connectivity

The new routes represent a meaningful expansion of Syria's international air links. They are expected to facilitate travel for the Syrian diaspora community in Germany, while also opening new avenues for commercial and tourism exchange between the two countries.