For the first time in 15 years, there are direct flights again between Germany and Syria. The first aircraft operated by airline LEAV was scheduled to fly from Düsseldorf to Damascus on Wednesday, the company announced. The resumption of flights is based on an air transport agreement concluded in mid-July between Germany and Syria, which newly established the legal framework for direct flight connections.
Since the start of the civil war in Syria in 2011, direct flights between the two countries had not been possible due to the political and security situation.
According to LEAV, two flights per week are planned initially. On the route between Düsseldorf and the Syrian capital Damascus, Airbus A320-200 aircraft will be used. According to the company, the connection is aimed in particular at the Syrian community in Germany, who will be able to visit family and friends in their former homeland more often and more directly, as well as at business travelers.
"After almost 15 years without a direct connection, we are very pleased to have made this nonstop flight to Damascus possible together with the German and Syrian authorities," said LEAV Aviation chief Daniel Broda.
A travel warning from the Federal Foreign Office continues to apply for travel to Syria. LEAV Aviation recommends that all passengers inform themselves before booking and departure about the current, binding advice from the Federal Foreign Office as well as the relevant Syrian diplomatic mission, and ensure they have adequate travel health insurance coverage.
In mid-July, German diplomats concluded a bilateral air transport agreement during a visit to Syria. It forms the basis for direct air traffic between Germany and Syria. According to the Federal Foreign Office, the resumption of commercial air traffic is "a building block in the implementation of the German-Syrian action plan," which was agreed upon during the visit of Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa to Berlin in March.
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