Direct Flights Between Dammam and Damascus Resume After 13-Year Hiatus

In a significant development for Syrian residents in Saudi Arabia, direct flights between Dammam and Damascus have resumed after a 13-year suspension.

Resumption of Services

On March 19, a Syrian Air aircraft departed from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, marking the reinstatement of direct flights between the two cities. This service complements existing direct flights from Saudi Arabia’s major cities to Syria, following Syrian Air’s resumption of operations at Saudi airports last year.

Historical Context

Passenger flights between Saudi Arabia and Syria were halted in 2012 when Riyadh severed ties with Damascus due to the Syrian government’s actions during the early stages of the civil war.

Temporary Resumption for Pilgrims

In May 2024, services between the two countries briefly resumed to facilitate Syrian pilgrims participating in the annual Hajj. The first group of 270 Syrian travelers arrived in Jeddah on May 28, shortly after Saudi Arabia appointed Faisal bin Saud Al-Mujfel as its ambassador to Syria.

Full Restoration of Services

Commercial flights between Saudi Arabia and Syria fully resumed in July 2024 after a 12-year hiatus, reflecting improving bilateral relations. A Syrian Air plane carrying 170 passengers from Damascus landed in Riyadh, marking the return of regular services. Subsequently, flights between Damascus and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah were reinstated in November 2024.

Diplomatic Developments

The resumption of flights aligns with the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In April 2023, Saudi Arabia and Syria agreed to resume consular services, and full diplomatic relations were restored in May 2023.

Impact on Syrian Residents

The reinstatement of direct flights is expected to benefit over 2.5 million Syrian residents in Saudi Arabia, facilitating family reunifications and enhancing transportation links between the two countries.

Future Prospects

Additional flights to Syrian destinations are anticipated, following the reopening of Aleppo International Airport after nearly three months of closure due to regional conflicts.

The resumption of direct flights between Dammam and Damascus signifies a notable improvement in Saudi-Syrian relations and offers substantial benefits to the Syrian community in Saudi Arabia.