The new route is expected to meet growing demand from travellers in the UAE and the GCC for direct connections to Damascus.

According to Etihad, the air link between the two cities will provide travellers from Syria with direct flights to Abu Dhabi, while passengers will also benefit from seamless connectivity to the carrier's global network through Zayed International Airport.

Service to Damascus will begin in June 2026 with four weekly flights, operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft. It will include eight Business seats and 150 Economy seats, offering comfort and convenience to the passengers.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: "This new route reflects our commitment to connecting people to the places that matter most to them."

"We are proud to expand our network into Damascus – one of the world’s most historic and culturally important cities – and to support the Syrian population with direct links to and from Abu Dhabi, as well as convenient onward connections across our global network.”

The UAE is home to over 350,000 Syrians who have made significant contributions to the country's development in various fields, including business and culture.

The introduction of direct flights between the UAE and Damascus is expected to further enhance economic ties and strengthen relations between the two nations, Etihad said.

“With trade between the UAE and Syria continuing to grow strongly, and with a vibrant Syrian community contributing to the prosperity of the UAE, these new flights will further strengthen our social, cultural, and economic ties,” Neves said.

As part of Etihad's global expansion plan, Damascus becomes the 28th new destination announced within the last year.