SunExpress Spearheads Historic Flights to Aleppo, Revitalizing Syrian Tourism

In a pivotal moment for Syrian aviation and tourism, SunExpress — a joint venture carrier between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa — has proudly initiated commercial flights linking Turkey with Aleppo International Airport. This marks a substantial stride in Syria’s post-conflict recovery.

The inaugural SunExpress flight touched down in Aleppo from Antalya, Turkey on August 1, 2026. The service, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizes Boeing 737-800 aircraft. A subsequent route from Izmir to Aleppo was introduced on August 2, also operating twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays.

During the same inaugural weekend, LEAV Aviation from Düsseldorf, Germany, and Flynas from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also commenced their first flights into Aleppo. This signals a surge of new international connectivity for Syria’s second-largest city.

The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority hailed the new services as “a new step toward restoring regular air traffic.” Concurrently, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation viewed the launches as a reflection of “growing confidence in Syrian civil aviation.”

As of August 2026, 14 airlines now serve Aleppo from 16 airports worldwide, with approximately 333 flights arriving each month. The burgeoning network is poised to facilitate tourism, business travel, and diaspora connectivity, thereby positioning Syria as an emerging travel destination for regional and international visitors.

Source: Arab News – Aleppo Airport Flights Reflect Growing Confidence in Syrian Civil Aviation