After 21 years, some Syrian expats in the UAE are preparing to return to their homeland as Damascus International Airport reopens. The development brings renewed hope for Syrians who have been separated from their families due to years of conflict and displacement.
Previously, the only way to visit Syria was by flying to Jordan and taking a shuttle bus. With the resumption of direct flights, the journey back home has become significantly easier. Qatar Airways has announced three weekly flights to Damascus, starting this week, while Syrian Arab Airlines operated a flight from Damascus to Sharjah, carrying 145 passengers on Tuesday.
For many, the announcement evokes mixed emotions. Ghassan Aboud, a 51-year-old expat in the UAE, expressed his eagerness to return after more than two decades. “I want to go back today, not tomorrow,” he said, adding that the reopening of the airport feels like a long-awaited opportunity.
Others, like Ahmed, Ghassan’s son, are cautiously optimistic. While the possibility of reuniting with loved ones is exciting, Ahmed prefers to wait a few months to assess the political situation in Syria before making travel plans.
Rami Saif, another Syrian expat in Al Ain, reflected on how returning home once seemed impossible. “Now, we have a chance. It’s heartwarming to see us moving forward, step by step,” he said. Rami hopes Syria can regain its status as a thriving tourist destination once stability is restored.
For expats like Mina A. in Sharjah, who has not seen his family in three years, the reopening brings renewed hope for a reunion. “Soon, there will be flights directly from the UAE to Syria,” he said, looking forward to the day when he can fly home without detours.
The reopening of Damascus International Airport is a significant step toward reconnecting families and rebuilding ties, offering a sense of hope and healing for Syrians around the world.
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