UAE to Resume Flights to Syria: A Significant Milestone for Syrian Expatriates
Date: Thu, Apr 17, 2025 | Shawwal 19, 1446 | Temperature in DXB: 23°C
In a remarkable turn of events, Syrian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are eagerly awaiting the resumption of direct flights to Syria, following a recent announcement by the General Civil Aviation Authority about the impending restart of these routes.
The revival of flights comes as a beacon of hope to many who have faced years of separation and uncertainty since the suspension of commercial aviation between the two nations. With the end of Bashar Al Assad’s regime, the skies are set to reopen, offering renewed opportunities for family reunification and homeward journeys.
Hope Renewed: Personal Stories of Anticipation
One such story is that of Layla Amir, a 25-year-old Dubai resident, who expressed profound relief at the news. “It’s now just one flight away,” she stated, recalling her last embrace with her grandmother in 2019 before entering the UAE. Despite the pandemic and political barriers, she looks forward to freely traveling home.
The suspension initially took effect in January post the dissolution of the Assad government in December 2024. However, optimism prevails with essential talks between high-ranking officials, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Syrian leader Ahmed Al Sharaa, signifying strengthened bilateral relations and support for Syrians during this critical period.
From Despair to Reintegration: A Community’s Journey
For Asim Mustafa, a 30-year-old eagerly awaiting a return to his childhood neighborhood in Aleppo, the news marks an end to years of disrupted family ties. He plans to reunite in Syria rather than relying on intermediary countries.
Plans are further bolstered by announcements from the General Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia, which intends to assess flight resumptions with Syria, indicating regional coordination efforts and a pursuit of normalcy.
Future Outlook: Building Towards a Brighter Horizon
The resumption aligns with broader regional reintegration goals, with testimonials from individuals like Samir Al Khateb, a 45-year-old resident of Abu Dhabi, highlighting a collective pride in Syria’s resilience and recovery prospects. “Moving forward as a nation only strengthens our resolve to go back,” he remarked, eager to introduce his children to their heritage.
As these personal narratives underscore, Syrian expatriates stand at the brink of a new chapter, poised to contribute to the country’s rebuilding process while maintaining community bonds forged through shared experiences.
Ruqayya Alqaydi reports with a keen eye on socio-economic currents impacting the Middle East.
