Damascus - Syria
On its second day, the "Syria Travel Show 2026" exhibition moves to one of the most influential files in the return of Syrian tourism: air connectivity. At the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, the exhibition today confronts airlines with a practical question that goes beyond promoting the destination: How can the traveler regain his way to Syria, and to which cities can flights expand in the future? The exhibition continues until September 30, with the participation of 34 exhibitors and 43 speakers from 14 countries.

Three companies at one table

The most prominent session is titled “Reconnecting Syria to the World: Restoring the Transit Gates to the World,” and brings together Captain Anwar Al-Akkad, CEO of Syrian Arab Airlines, Abdul-Ilah Al-Aidi, Vice President of Sales at Flynas, and Osama Sati, Director of Business Development and Aviation Public Relations at Flysham, while it is moderated by Ercel Gural, CEO of UCK Airports.

The road to Damascus is widening
The discussion comes as the map of flights to Syria has begun to regain some of its activity. Flydubai, participating in the exhibition, had resumed its flights to Damascus in 2025, and its operation later reached three flights a day, in addition to a daily service to Aleppo, which reflects the importance of restoring air connectivity in stimulating travel, trade and tourism.

Syria is a strategic market

In a statement summarizing the airlines' outlook on the market, Hamad Obaidallah, Chief Commercial Officer at Flydubai, said that Syria represents an important strategic market for the company, and that participation in the first edition of the exhibition reflects its commitment to supporting the growth of air connectivity and long-term development.

What does this mean for the Arab traveler?

For the Arab traveler, the issue goes beyond adding a new flight to the airport screen. The increase in flights and seats and competition between carriers means wider options for reaching Damascus and Aleppo and connecting them to the cities of the region, which is an essential element for the return of family visits, religious and cultural tourism, and business travel.
As for the tourism investor, the equation is clearer: the hotel, restaurant, and tourism project all need a continuous flow of visitors. Therefore, the most important thing that comes out of the Damascus exhibition may not be what is said on the platform, but rather whether the airline meetings will later turn into new lines, seats, and destinations.