Etihad Adds New Flights to Most Dangerous Country in the World

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ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) announced the launch of new direct flights to Damascus (DAM), Syria, beginning June 2026.

The new service will operate four times weekly, reconnecting the UAE capital Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Damascus through Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the airline’s return to one of the region’s most historic cities.

Etihad New Flights to Damascus

Etihad Airways’ decision to launch flights to Damascus comes as part of its broader expansion strategy across the Middle East.

The route responds to strong demand from UAE and GCC travelers seeking direct access to Syria.

At the same time, Syrian travelers gain seamless connectivity through Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Etihad’s growing global network.

From June 2026, Etihad will operate four weekly Airbus A320 flights, each configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats.

The move marks Damascus as the 28th new destination Etihad has announced within the past year, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s role as a key aviation hub.

Damascus Flight Schedule, effective from 12 June 2026:

Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft

EY561	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	09:15	Damascus (DAM)	11:30	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	A320
EY562	Damascus (DAM)	15:00	Abu Dhabi (AUH)	19:00	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat	A320

Why Damascus Is the Most Dangerous City

Damascus holds a spot among the world’s most dangerous cities in 2025 due to Syria’s prolonged civil war, which began in 2011 and displaced millions.

The Global Peace Index ranks Syria near the bottom for peacefulness, citing ongoing conflicts, terrorism, and militarization. In 2025, the city faces Israeli airstrikes on Syrian targets, rebel skirmishes in nearby Idlib, and ISIS remnants in eastern areas.

Humanitarian crises affect 70% of Syrians, with 6.9 million internally displaced and 5.4 million refugees abroad.

Numbeo’s 2025 crime index lists Damascus as Asia’s most dangerous city, driven by lawlessness, extortion, and poor governance in war-torn zones.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index ranks it 140th out of 173 cities, scoring low in stability (20/100), healthcare (29.2/100), and infrastructure (32.1/100).

Despite relative safety in the city center compared to rural areas, risks include bombings, kidnappings, and unreliable services.

Travel advisories warn of these threats, making Damascus a high-risk destination despite its ancient heritage.

Strengthening UAE–Syria Ties

The launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Damascus (DAM) reflects more than a transport connection; it underscores the strengthening political, economic, and cultural relationship between the UAE and Syria.

Over the past decade, the UAE has emerged as a key regional partner, supporting reconstruction efforts, humanitarian aid, and community engagement with the Syrian people.

Economic relations are on an upward trajectory. In 2024, bilateral trade reached AED 2.5 billion (US $680 million), marking a 23% year on year increase.

Key sectors driving this growth include construction materials, food supplies, medical equipment, and consumer goods. This renewed air link will further facilitate trade by streamlining logistics and offering faster, more reliable cargo transport options for businesses on both sides.

The human connection between the two nations is equally significant. More than 350,000 Syrians reside in the UAE, contributing to the economy across industries such as real estate, healthcare, education, retail, and the arts.

These residents have played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s diverse cultural fabric, and the new flights are expected to make family reunions and personal travel more accessible.

Diplomatically, the UAE has positioned itself as a bridge-builder in the Middle East, encouraging regional stability and dialogue. Improved connectivity with Syria strengthens this role by creating more opportunities for cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, tourism, and investment.

The Abu Dhabi–Damascus route therefore serves as both a practical travel solution and a symbol of deepening bilateral relations.

Growth Strategy and Passenger Outlook

Etihad Airways is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi (AUH) as a leading global aviation hub.

The airline has already added 28 new destinations in the past year, reflecting a sharp focus on connecting high demand regional and international markets.

By strategically targeting routes that support both economic and cultural ties, Etihad ensures that its network growth aligns with the evolving needs of travelers and trade partners.

Passenger growth has been a central success indicator. In 2023, the airline reported an 80% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2022, a sign of robust post-pandemic recovery and rising global demand for air travel.

With continued investment in fleet modernization, enhanced service offerings, and the introduction of fuel efficient aircraft, Etihad is positioned to maintain this momentum.

Looking ahead, the airline has set a long-term target of carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030.

To achieve this, Etihad is optimizing connectivity through Zayed International Airport (AUH), expanding its codeshare partnerships, and opening new point to point routes across underserved markets.

The introduction of flights to Damascus (DAM) fits squarely into this growth vision, offering direct access to a historically significant destination while reinforcing Etihad’s commitment to strengthening social, cultural, and trade links across the Middle East and beyond.

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