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DAN AIR Carries Over 30,000 Passengers in Its First Year of Operations to Syria

DAN AIR Carries Over 30,000 Passengers in Its First Year of Operations to Syria

On 15 June, DAN AIR marks one year since launching operations to Syria. The airline became the first carrier from the European Union to operate direct scheduled flights between Romania and Syria, reconnecting the two countries after nearly 14 years during which Syria remained absent from the European air transport network. Over the past year, DAN AIR has transported more than 30,000 passengers on the Bucharest–Damascus–Bucharest route, while achieving an average load factor of 88%. One year after making European civil aviation history by resuming direct scheduled flights between the European Union and Syria, DAN AIR is further expanding its footprint in the region, becoming the only EU airline to operate scheduled services simultaneously to two Syrian cities: Damascus and Aleppo.

The Bucharest–Damascus route responded to a genuine need within the Syrian community across Europe: reconnecting families, facilitating mobility and restoring a vital link between the two regions. Building on the success of this service, DAN AIR has decided that, starting from 1 July 2026, Aleppo will become a permanent destination during the summer season alongside Damascus. In doing so, the airline further consolidates its position as the only European carrier with a simultaneous presence in Syria’s two largest urban centres.

“One year ago, we chose to launch a route that many considered impossible. We did so because we recognised the real need people had for connectivity and because we had confidence in our operational capabilities. I would like to thank my colleagues who operated these flights week after week with dedication and courage, especially given the many challenges posed by the regional context. We addressed them with professionalism, as reflected in our exceptionally high on-time performance and the absence of significant delays. The fact that, after just one year, we are expanding our presence in Syria and becoming the only European airline serving both Damascus and Aleppo confirms that this was the right decision. Beyond the numbers, these flights represent reunited families, economic opportunities and bridges rebuilt between people and communities.”, stated Matt Ian David, CEO of DAN AIR.
One year after launching scheduled services to Syria, DAN AIR continues to maintain high operational standards despite regional tensions that have disrupted air traffic in the area.
Operational performance highlights:
• 98% of flights operated on time;
• 2% of flights experienced delays of less than three hours;
• 91% of operations were conducted through Damascus International Airport;
• 9% of flights operated through Aleppo International Airport during the temporary closure of Damascus International Airport.
The expansion of operations in Syria comes against the backdrop of strong performance across the airline’s wider network. In 2025, DAN AIR carried more than 272,000 passengers, representing growth of over 30% compared to the previous year, while achieving an on-time performance rate of 98%. These results further demonstrate the strength of the airline’s operational model and the confidence passengers continue to place in DAN AIR.
DAN AIR’s Flight Schedule to Syria:
Bucharest – Damascus (DAM): Every Wednesday and Sunday
Bucharest – Aleppo (ALP): Every Wednesday and Sunday
Flights are already available for booking on the airline’s website, www.danair.ro , as well as through the DAN AIR mobile application.