The German airline SUNDAIR is expanding its services and, from Saturday 15.08., will operate non-stop flights from BER to Damascus, Syria’s capital. The route will be operated twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday. This marks the first direct flight connection between the German capital region and Syria since 2011. It has been made possible by the bilateral air transport agreement entered into by Germany and Syria in mid-July.
“SUNDAIR’s new service to Damascus complements the existing range of routes from BER to the Middle East. This means people in the capital region with close personal and family ties to Syria once again have a direct travel option,” says Aletta von Massenbach, Chief Executive Officer of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH.
“We are proud to be the first airline to once again offer a direct service from BER to Damascus. This route symbolises the rapprochement between Germany and Syria, as well as the strengthening of personal, economic, and humanitarian ties,” explains Marcos Rossello, Managing Director of SUNDAIR.
“We welcome the launch of the first direct service from Berlin to Damascus. This step is particularly significant for the large Syrian community in Germany because it makes travel easier, shortens journeys, and, therefore provides tangible relief for many people. The Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Berlin has continually supported this process, while closely liaising with the relevant authorities in Syria and Germany, and facilitating the necessary contacts and coordination,” says MHD. Baraa Chukri, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Berlin. “We are delighted that the direct flight connection between the two capital cities has now been established and see it as a further important step towards strengthening ties between Syria and Germany.”
Twice weekly to Damascus
SUNDAIR operates the route to Damascus twice a week. Flights depart from BER on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and arrive in the Syrian capital at 4:05 p.m. local time. Return flights depart Damascus at 5:05 p.m., arriving at BER at 8:30 p.m. The flight to Damascus lasts about four hours, while the return journey takes 20 minutes longer. The time difference compared to Damascus is plus one hour. An Airbus A320, which can accommodate 180 passengers, is used for the flights.
