German airline resumes Berlin-Damascus flights after 14 years

German airline Sundair on Saturday operated the first direct flight from Berlin to Damascus in nearly 14 years, resuming scheduled air service between Germany and Syria. The flight departed Berlin Airport with Syria's chargé d'affaires in Berlin, Mohammed Baraa Shukri, present for the ceremony, according to the Syrian state-run SANA news agency.

The resumption comes as Damascus moves to expand its international aviation connections following years of conflict.

Expanded connectivity

Syria's General Authority of Civil Aviation head Omar al-Husari on Friday announced that German carrier LEAV Aviation will launch direct scheduled flights between Cologne and Deir ez-Zor beginning September 1, operating one flight per week. The new route follows the Berlin-Damascus service and reflects growing European interest in reestablishing air corridors to Syrian destinations.

Diplomatic framework

The renewed air links follow a transport agreement signed between Syria and Germany in Damascus on July 16, establishing the legal framework for direct services. Syrian officials have indicated that additional routes are under consideration as the country seeks to normalize relations with European states.