Flights to Syria

Who travels and how

Most people flying to Syria from the UK are visiting family, returning home or travelling for work. International airlines began returning to Damascus and Aleppo after the change of government in December 2024, but schedules have been cut or suspended several times during regional airspace closures. Journeys usually take seven to ten hours including a connection. Within the country, roads link the main cities, and drivers are usually arranged locally.

History

Damascus and Aleppo are among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The region was ruled by Arameans, Romans and Byzantines before the Umayyad caliphs made Damascus their capital in the 7th century. Crusaders built castles in the west, and the Ottomans governed for four centuries until the First World War. Syria became independent in 1946. A civil war began in 2011 and lasted more than a decade, causing heavy damage to towns and historic sites.

Cities, castles and ruins

In Damascus, the Umayyad Mosque, the covered Souq al-Hamidiyah and the old courtyard houses fill the walled city. Aleppo's hilltop citadel overlooks an old city that is being repaired after the war. Krak des Chevaliers, a crusader castle listed by UNESCO, stands above the Homs Gap. Hama is known for its wooden waterwheels on the Orontes River, Bosra has a Roman theatre built of black basalt, and Latakia sits on the Mediterranean coast.

Entry, money and practical tips

Visa and entry rules for Syria have changed several times, so confirm the current process before you book. Card payments are not widely accepted, so carry enough cash. Arabic is the main language. Syria is three hours ahead of the UK in winter and two in summer. UK government travel advice for Syria has been very restrictive, and many insurance policies exclude countries where the government advises against travel. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

Spring, from March to May, and autumn bring mild days. Summers are hot and dry, with Damascus often above 35°C, and winter nights can be cold, with occasional snow on higher ground.

Planning to travel to Syria? Call 020 7871 4545 and our team will check the routes that are currently operating.