SunExpress Spearheads Historic Aleppo Flights, Catalyzing Syrian Tourism
In a pivotal moment for aviation and travel, SunExpress — a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa — has officially initiated commercial flights between Antalya, Turkey and Aleppo, Syria. This development, which took place on August 1, 2026, signifies a crucial stride in Syria’s reintegration into the global travel and tourism network.
The 585-kilometre route is serviced twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft. A subsequent route, connecting Izmir to Aleppo, was introduced a day later on August 2, operating on Fridays and Sundays. The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has lauded this launch as a fresh chapter in the country’s air connectivity, emphasizing that these flights not only facilitate passenger travel but also bolster tourism and economic activities in the region.
On the same day, flynas introduced services from Riyadh to Aleppo, while LEAV Aviation kick-started charter operations from Cologne, Germany. As of August 2026, 14 airlines are now serving Aleppo from 16 airports worldwide, with an estimated 333 flights arriving monthly. This escalating connectivity indicates a growing international confidence in Syria as a burgeoning travel destination, following years of disruption.
Source: Air Service One – New Route of the Day: SunExpress Antalya–Aleppo