Direct Flights from Germany to Syria Resume After 14 Years

JAKARTA - Direct flights from Germany to Syria resumed on Wednesday after almost 14 years of suspension, according to media reports.

An Airbus A320-200 operated by Cologne-based LEAV Aviation took off from Düsseldorf this morning for the Syrian capital Damascus, the airline said, according to Anadolu (29/7)

According to LEAV, this is the first direct flight from Germany to Syria in more than a decade.

Germany and Syria have pushed for the resumption of direct flights through political negotiations. Representatives of the two countries signed a bilateral air transport agreement in Damascus on July 16.

The agreement establishes a legal framework for direct flights and clarifies issues including traffic rights, flight frequencies, licenses, safety, and technical details.

Initially, it was planned to have two flights per week. LEAV initially planned to operate two flights per week using an Airbus A320-200 with a capacity of 180 passengers.

This new service is primarily aimed at the large Syrian community in Germany and business travelers. Other airlines can now also resume direct flight service to Syria.

Until recently, Germany's flight ban to Syria was still in place, with the exception of humanitarian aid flights and flights operated on behalf of the UN.

The ban ended a few days ago.

"The situation has improved so much that government restrictions are no longer necessary," the German Transport Ministry said in response to a question from the German Press Agency.

According to the German government's assessment, Syria has "gained stability" in recent months.

"In the midst of a volatile regional situation, Syria has managed to gain stability in a short time," the German Foreign Ministry said.

In March, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa agreed on a German-Syrian Action Plan during talks in Berlin, paving the way for closer cooperation, including the restoration of direct air routes.