Germany Reconnects with Syria: First Direct Düsseldorf–Damascus Flight in 15 Years Signals a New Era

Leav Aviation’s launch of Germany’s first nonstop flight to Syria in almost 15 years is more than an aviation milestone. For the travel and tourism industry, aviation has always been one of the first indicators of political normalization. Germany’s First Direct Flights Since 2011Cologne-based LEAV Aviation has become the first German airline to restore scheduled nonstop flights to Damascus since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011. The war brought international tourism to a near standstill. The resumption of direct flights between Germany and Syria will initially serve primarily the Syrian diaspora, reconnecting families separated by years of conflict.