As Qatar Airways restarts its Damascus service, the travel industry is looking ahead to consider when tourism could eventually return to Syria. Rose Dykins reports

In January 2025, Qatar Airways resumed three weekly flights to and from Syria’s capital of Damascus. It marked a significant step in reconnecting the region to the wider world.

Since the fall of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad to Syrian rebels in December 2024, the world continues to watch as Syria’s political landscape evolves. For many Syrians who have either been displaced from their country, or unable to safely access Syria throughout the 13-year civil war, the prospect of travelling there will be very moving. As Faris Swirahn writes for New Lines Magazine, after returning to Damascus for the first time in 15 years: “I had booked my ticket as soon as news broke on December 8 that Assad had fled the country. A mere 20 days later, I stood at the border, finally setting foot on Syrian soil again.”

Qatar Airways says its decision to restart operations to Syria reflects its commitment to supporting regional connectivity and responding to passenger demand. The airline has been working closely with relevant authorities to ensure all necessary safety, security and operational standards were met ahead of the relaunch of its service to Damascus.

Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, says:“We are pleased to resume flights to Damascus, a destination of great historical and cultural importance. This announcement underscores our dedication to fostering connectivity and facilitating travel for our passengers.”

Syria’s tourism industry took a sharp hit from 2011-2012 when the civil way began. Now that Assad’s regime has been toppled, the travel industry is looking ahead to consider how far into the future tour operators and travel brands can resume operations in the country.

In January 2025, the Foreign, Commonweatlh and Development Office advised against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions, and British Embassy services in Damascus were suspended.

Travel companies thinking ahead to resuming tourism activity in Syria will be mindful of how the ongoing conflict has left a devastating impact on the nation. As the FCDO website reads: “There is a humanitarian crisis in Syria. Public infrastructure and services have been seriously affected by the conflict including lack of water, sanitation and health services. Electricity, internet and cellular services are intermittent in many parts of the country. Food supplies are extremely limited and what’s available is often prohibitively expensive. It is often difficult to get or pay for basic goods and services, including food and fuel.”

That said, Globetrender predicts Syria will attract a demographic of travellers who feel motivated by Red Zoning – previously covered in VOLT, whereby people seek out destinations that are typically off-limits for security reasons.