Turkish Airlines Expands Istanbul-Damascus Route: A New Era for Travel Between Turkey and Syria – Travel And Tour World

As air travel continues to evolve, Turkish Airlines is preparing to expand its service to Syria, offering six weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus starting March 28, 2025. This increase from the previous four weekly flights reflects the airline’s confidence in the demand for travel between the two cities and signals a growing resurgence in regional tourism.

With additional flights set to be operated by the Boeing 737-900ER, Turkish Airlines is working toward enhancing frequency, connectivity, and accessibility for travelers between Turkey and Syria. These changes are expected to positively impact tourism, business travel, and regional trade, with implications extending beyond the Middle East.

Rebuilding Travel Links to Damascus

The addition of two more weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus indicates a gradual rebuilding of Syria’s air travel network, a crucial development for travelers looking for smoother access to the country. While the region has experienced disruptions in aviation over the past decade, increased air services suggest a renewed focus on reopening travel corridors and improving economic, cultural, and business exchanges between Turkey and Syria.

From May 1 to May 26, 2025, Turkish Airlines will operate the following schedules:

• TK846 IST0800 – 1000DAM 73J on Wednesdays and Saturdays
• TK846 IST0800 – 1000DAM 332 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays
• TK847 DAM1200 – 1405IST 73J on Wednesdays and Saturdays
• TK847 DAM1200 – 1405IST 332 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays

These flight expansions are expected to provide greater flexibility for travelers while supporting regional tourism growth.

The Travel Surge: Why It Matters for Global Tourism

With more flights becoming available, the implications for regional and international travel are significant. The move by Turkish Airlines will contribute to:

• Boosting Syria’s Tourism Reopening: Expanded flights could encourage more visitors to consider Syria for travel, cultural tourism, and family visits.
• Strengthening Business Travel: With Istanbul serving as a major transit hub, increased flights are expected to facilitate business connections between Syria, Turkey, and international markets.
• Encouraging Diaspora Travel: Many Syrians living abroad, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, could find the increased frequency beneficial for travel to Damascus.

Turkish Airlines’ Strategy for Expanding Middle Eastern Routes

Turkish Airlines’ decision to increase flights to Damascus aligns with its broader strategy of expanding its presence across the Middle East. Istanbul is already one of the world’s most connected cities, and adding more direct flights to Syria strengthens its position as a major transit gateway.

For Syrian travelers, the airline’s expansion will provide easier access to European, Asian, and North American destinations via Istanbul Airport, reducing layover times and improving connectivity for global travel.

How the Expanded Flights Could Influence the Travel Industry

By increasing flight frequency, Turkish Airlines is setting the stage for new travel trends and potential tourism opportunities. The long-term impacts on the travel industry could include:

• A Revival of Syrian Cultural Tourism: With more convenient flight options, travelers interested in Syria’s historical and archaeological sites may find it easier to plan visits.
• Growth in Turkish-Syrian Trade and Tourism Partnerships: More flights create stronger ties between Turkish and Syrian businesses, hotels, and tour operators, leading to increased tourism-related investments.
• A Potential Increase in Middle Eastern Travel Demand: The route expansion could set a precedent for other airlines to reconsider their flight services to Syria, encouraging more air traffic to the region.

Regional and Global Effects of the Expanded Route

The increasing availability of flights between Istanbul and Damascus may also influence broader international travel patterns. Istanbul, as a well-connected hub, offers seamless access to destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America, making these additional flights an important development for global travel trends.

Some of the expected outcomes include:

1. A Boost in Tourism Between Turkey and Syria: More frequent flights can lead to increased short-term visits, benefiting tourism sectors in both countries.
2. Stronger Business Travel Networks: The expanded route supports economic exchanges and new investment opportunities between Turkish and Syrian enterprises.
3. A Shift in Regional Aviation Strategies: Other airlines may observe Turkish Airlines’ expansion and re-evaluate their own potential operations in Syria, leading to a gradual return of international carriers.

A Positive Outlook for Middle Eastern Travel

Turkish Airlines’ expansion of flights to Damascus marks another step toward normalizing air travel in the region. While the aviation industry in Syria is still in the process of recovery, the move by one of the world’s leading airlines indicates growing confidence in rebuilding travel links.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Syrian Travel

As Turkish Airlines increases its flights to Damascus in 2025, travelers, businesses, and tourism industries across the Middle East and beyond are likely to benefit. The move will help restore vital air connections, improve access for both leisure and business travelers, and contribute to the gradual resurgence of Syria’s tourism sector.

With demand for Middle Eastern travel increasing, Turkish Airlines’ investment in the Istanbul-Damascus route is set to play a key role in shaping future travel patterns, providing greater opportunities for international travelers to explore the region once again.