UAE
Etihad Airways Resumes Abu Dhabi–Damascus Flights Following 14-Year Suspension
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read
Etihad Airways has restored direct flights to Damascus for the first time since 2012, ending a 14-year hiatus in its regional network.
Etihad Airways has resumed direct flight services between Abu Dhabi and Damascus, ending a suspension that lasted 14 years. The national carrier of the UAE has officially restored the route to the Syrian capital, marking a return to a destination that has been absent from its network since 2012. Restoration of Regional Air Links The decision to restart operations follows a shift in regional travel dynamics and flight safety assessments. Etihad suspended its flights to Damascus International Airport (DAM) in 2012, citing safety and security concerns. The resumption now provides a direct link for the significant Syrian expatriate population residing in the UAE and enhances transit options through Etihad’s primary hub at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The move makes Etihad one of the major international carriers to restore direct services to Damascus. While other regional airlines, including Air Arabia and Syrian Arab Airlines, have maintained or recently resumed various routes between the two nations, the return of the UAE national carrier indicates a stabilization of the aviation corridor between the two capitals. Infrastructure and Logistics Damascus International…