First Syrian Passenger Flight Lands at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow Since Regime Collapse

A Syrian Airlines passenger aircraft touched down at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, marking the first direct flight from Damascus to the Russian capital since the fall of the Assad regime. The plane landed at 06:44 Moscow time, signalling a renewal of air links after a year and a half of suspension.

Flight specifics

Air traffic data shows the Airbus A320 departed Damascus International Airport at 02:14 local time, covering roughly 2,800 km to reach Moscow. The journey lasted about four and a half hours and concluded without incident.

Sheremetyevo officials reported the aircraft used runway 3 and that ground handling proceeded swiftly under standard security protocols. Russian staff assisted the crew and passengers during immigration.

Political context

The flight occurs amid ongoing regional tensions and the entrenched Russia‑Syria partnership that began during the Syrian conflict. Russia remains a key political and military ally of Damascus, and resuming civilian flights signals a modest normalization of bilateral ties.

International observers view the move as Damascus’s attempt to restore economic and tourism links with Eastern Europe, while Moscow leverages the service to reinforce its role as a conduit between East and West.

Authorities expect this inaugural service to pave the way for regular scheduled flights between Damascus and Moscow, potentially boosting trade and tourism between the two nations.