In a long-awaited development, Syrian expatriates in the UAE are filled with excitement as the General Civil Aviation Authority has announced that flights to Syria will resume.
After enduring years of separation and distress, following the decline of Bashar Al Assad’s regime, the opportunity to return home is finally within reach for many.
“It’s just one flight away now,” expressed Layla Amir, a 25-year-old resident of Dubai. Waking up to the announcement on April 14, she realized she could travel back to her homeland at any moment. “I clearly remember the last time I embraced my grandmother; it was back in 2019 when I moved to the UAE,” Layla reminisced.
All flight services between the UAE and Syria were halted in early January after the Assad administration’s collapse in December 2024. The first international commercial flight from Damascus following this change was a Syrian Airlines flight to Sharjah on January 7, transporting 145 Syrian passengers.
“My grandmother passed away in 2022,” Layla shared. Despite her efforts to go back, travel restrictions and the political situation made it unfeasible. “It’s truly reassuring to see things returning to normal; our nation has faced so much,” she noted.
This announcement comes on the heels of a significant meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Syrian leader Ahmed Al Sharaa, underscoring the UAE’s dedication to supporting the Syrian populace during this transitional phase.
On the other hand, 30-year-old Asim Mustafa, who received the news while at work, felt a surge of happiness. Knowing that flights were halted due to the civil war, his immediate reaction was, “This is my chance! I can finally return!” He has yearned to revisit Aleppo, the city where he was raised, for over seven years.
“The last time I saw my family, we had to meet in Turkey to facilitate travel for my siblings residing in various parts of the world,” he recalled. “Now we can coordinate to gather back in Aleppo.”
Recently, the General Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia also announced plans for a delegation to visit Syria to prepare for restarting links between the two nations.
In Abu Dhabi, 45-year-old Samir Al Khateb expressed pride in his country’s resilience. “Syria is on a path to recovery, and we are definitely going back.” He eagerly anticipates taking his children home to show them the neighborhoods of his childhood and their heritage.
“They often inquire about visiting Syria. In recent years, I was always unsure about our summer plans,” Samir reflected.
Remembering the hardships faced by fellow Syrians, he remarked, “The youth in Syria are strong and will rebuild the country; there is a significant sense of community among its people.”
Waad Barakat
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, ranging from law enforcement to local communities.