Overview
Aleppo is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, a former Silk Road crossroads famed for its hilltop citadel, labyrinthine souqs and honey-coloured stone architecture. It's a place of deep history and legendary hospitality, though visitors should know the old city suffered significant damage during the Syrian conflict and restoration work is ongoing. Anyone considering travel should read the latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance carefully before booking. Our team can track routes and fares to Aleppo International (ALP) so you have accurate information when you plan.
Best time to fly to Aleppo
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable, with warm days and cool evenings. Summers are intensely hot and dry, frequently above 35C, while winters from December to February are cool and damp with chilly nights. Fares shift with these seasons, so check the When to book chart above to see how prices move across the year for your dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights between the UK and Aleppo, so every journey involves at least one connection. For UK travellers the most practical routing is via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus, connecting from London, Manchester and other UK airports to Istanbul and then onward to Aleppo, a service Turkish Airlines resumed in 2025. Regional carriers including Syrian Air and Cham Wings link Aleppo with points around the Middle East. Allow roughly 4 hours from London to Istanbul plus about 1 hour 45 minutes on to Aleppo, giving a typical total journey of 9 to 13 hours with a layover.
Things to do in Aleppo
Aleppo rewards slow, curious exploration on foot through its UNESCO-listed old city.
- Citadel of Aleppo: A vast medieval fortress rising on an ancient mound at the city's heart.
- Al-Madina Souq: The historic covered marketplace, sections of which have been carefully restored after wartime damage.
- Great Mosque of Aleppo (Umayyad Mosque): A landmark of Islamic architecture, under reconstruction, with a broad flagstone courtyard.
- Aleppo National Museum: Artefacts from the great archaeological sites of northern Syria.
- Old City khans and lanes: Caravanserais, courtyard houses and narrow stone streets that tell the story of a trading capital.
At Aleppo International Airport (ALP)
The airport sits around 10km east of the centre, usually a 20 to 30 minute drive. Public transport is limited, so a pre-arranged transfer or a licensed taxi is the sensible choice; agree the fare before you set off. Facilities are fairly basic, and carrying local cash on arrival is wise.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Aleppo
- Book well ahead and use the When to book chart above to spot the cheapest window for your travel dates.
- Choose midweek departures, as Tuesday and Wednesday flights often undercut weekend prices.
- Stay flexible with your dates, since shifting a day either way can noticeably lower the connecting fare shown in the price charts on this page.
- Compare hubs and airlines, as Istanbul is typically the best value but different carriers price the same routing differently.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a Syrian visa arranged in advance; there is no reliable tourist visa on arrival. The British Embassy in Damascus is closed and consular support is severely limited, and the FCDO advises against all travel to Syria, which also affects the availability and validity of travel insurance. The currency is the Syrian pound (SYP), and Syria operates largely as a cash economy where UK bank cards and ATMs generally do not work, so budget your money carefully. Check NHS travel health advice and make sure routine vaccinations are up to date well before you depart.
