Flydubai, Flynas, SunExpress Resume Aleppo Flights in 2026

Resuming Operations at Aleppo International Airport

Flydubai, flynas, and SunExpress are launching new commercial services to Aleppo International Airport (ALP), marking a significant step in the restoration of international air connectivity to Syria. The scheduled expansion, which begins in July 2026, follows a period of long-term suspension for the city and reflects a broader regional trend of carriers re-adding Syrian destinations to their networks. The move is heavily driven by Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) demand among the large Syrian expatriate populations residing in the Gulf and Turkey.

Network Expansion Details

Flydubai will be the first of the three carriers to resume service, initiating a daily non-stop flight from Dubai to Aleppo on July 20, 2026. This launch marks the airline's return to the city after a nearly 14-year hiatus. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, noted that the daily service is a key milestone in the airline's network expansion strategy, aimed at supporting the Dubai aviation hub by creating direct air links to underserved markets.

Following the initial launch, both flynas and SunExpress will commence operations on August 1, 2026. Flynas Launches Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Aleppo Starting August 1 confirms that the Saudi Arabian Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) will operate its Riyadh-Aleppo route twice per week. Simultaneously, SunExpress will begin its own twice-weekly service connecting Antalya, Turkey, with Aleppo. These routes are coordinated under the oversight of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, which has managed the clearance and scheduling approvals for the facility following operational halts earlier in the year.

The VFR Market and Regional Trends

For the Syrian Diaspora in the GCC and Turkey, the resumption of these flights substantially reduces travel times. Previously, travelers were forced to rely on complex overland journeys or multi-stop air connections. The current strategy adopted by these regional carriers mirrors the successful restoration of flights to Damascus, which occurred between 2024 and 2025. The stability seen on those routes provided the framework for airlines to expand their network to Aleppo, the country's second-largest city.

Despite the operational progress, international aviation security advisories continue to monitor the region. The resumption of flights into Syrian airspace remains subject to ongoing geopolitical instability, with international conflict zone advisories still in effect for certain areas. Carriers are managing these risks through close coordination with local regulatory authorities to ensure safe passage for their fleets.

Why This Matters for Regional Connectivity

For Aleppo International Airport (ALP), the return of international service is a critical economic driver that revitalizes aeronautical revenue and infrastructure utilization. By securing a first-mover advantage, flydubai, flynas, and SunExpress are positioning themselves to capture unserved passenger demand in a recovering market. This trend of LCC expansion signals a shift toward prioritizing regional connectivity over the long-term suspensions that characterized the previous decade of Syrian aviation.