Cheap Flights to Syria

Overview

Syria is one of the oldest inhabited lands on earth — Damascus and Aleppo have been lived in for millennia — with Roman ruins, Crusader castles and a Mediterranean coast. Since the change of government in December 2024, a handful of airlines have resumed flights to Damascus and UK interest has grown. Be aware, though, that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to the whole of Syria, which invalidates most travel insurance. The notes below are for planning and for travellers whose circumstances take them there regardless.

Best time to fly to Syria

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring mild days and cool evenings in Damascus and along the coast. Summers are hot and very dry, particularly inland around Palmyra; winters are cool in the cities, with snow in the mountains near Lebanon. Fares generally ease outside the summer peak and away from major religious holidays — the When to book chart above shows how prices are moving on your dates.

Main gateway cities & airports

Damascus International Airport (DAM), about 25km south-east of the capital, is the main gateway for UK travellers. Aleppo International Airport (ALP) serves the north with limited scheduled service. Some travellers still arrive overland from Beirut in Lebanon or Amman in Jordan, each a few hours' drive from Damascus.

Airlines and routes

There are no direct flights between the UK and Syria, so every trip needs at least one connection. Syrian Air is the national carrier. Since 2025, Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) have operated flights to Damascus, with Royal Jordanian (via Amman), flydubai and EgyptAir offering further connections. From London, a one-stop routing via Istanbul or Doha usually takes around 9 to 12 hours including the connection; from Manchester allow a little longer, connecting through the same Turkish or Gulf hubs.

Popular places to visit in Syria

• Damascus Old City: the walled heart of the capital, home to the Umayyad Mosque, covered souks and the Street Called Straight.
• Aleppo: its great citadel and historic souks are gradually being restored after years of conflict.
• Palmyra: the desert ruins of a Roman caravan city, partly damaged but still hauntingly grand.
• Krak des Chevaliers: one of the world's best-preserved Crusader castles, in the hills west of Homs.
• Latakia and the coast: Syria's Mediterranean shore, with beaches, wooded hills and the ancient site of Ugarit nearby.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Syria

• Compare one-stop routings through Istanbul, Doha and Amman — prices for the same dates can differ widely.
• Avoid Ramadan, Eid and the summer peak, when seats on the limited services go quickly.
• Book a few weeks ahead rather than last minute; capacity to Damascus is thin and cheaper fares sell out early.
• Check the price charts on this page to see whether fares on your dates are rising or falling before you commit.

Travel essentials

British passport holders need a visa for Syria, and entry rules have been changing since 2024, so confirm the current position before you book. The currency is the Syrian pound (SYP); the country runs largely on cash and UK debit and credit cards do not work, so carry enough for your whole stay. Bear in mind that FCDO advice against all travel affects both insurance and consular help. To judge when to book, use the When to book chart above.