Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Syria

Direct flight routes to Syria

Currently there are no direct flights operating between Australasia and Syria. All routes require at least one connection.

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub offering frequent connections to Damascus. Average layover time 3-5 hours. Features world’s largest duty-free shopping and premium lounges for all ticket classes.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways primary hub with reliable Syria connections. Transit times typically 4-6 hours. Modern airport with complimentary city tours for longer layovers.

Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Etihad Airways base with regular Damascus flights. Connection times average 5 hours. Offers US pre-clearance facility and premium lounges.

Beirut (BEI) – Middle East Airlines hub with multiple daily Damascus connections. Short layovers of 2-3 hours. Convenient option for reaching Syria through neighboring Lebanon.

Time vs money

Multi-stop routes through Middle Eastern hubs typically offer better value than complicated routings through Europe or Asia. Longer layovers generally result in lower fares but increase total journey time significantly.

Tips and recommendations

• Book separate tickets Sydney-Dubai and Dubai-Damascus for potential savings, but allow minimum 8 hours between flights


• Consider overnight layovers in Dubai or Doha to break up the journey and explore the city


• Middle East Airlines often offers competitive fares when booking through their website rather than third-party platforms


• Avoid booking complicated routes with multiple stops in Europe, as these typically increase both cost and travel time


• Check visa requirements for transit countries, especially for longer layovers

• Flying via Abu Dhabi with Etihad offers the best value-comfort balance, with fares typically 15-20% lower than other Middle Eastern carriers to Damascus. Etihad operates Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Sydney and Melbourne with industry-leading Economy Space seats offering 35-inch pitch. Connection times in Abu Dhabi are consistently under 4 hours.
• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul provides the widest range of connection options from both Australian cities and Auckland, with competitive fares around AUD 1,400 return in economy. Their A350 aircraft deployed on Australian routes feature enhanced legroom with 32-inch pitch and upgraded entertainment systems. The Istanbul stopover program allows free hotel stays on longer connections.
• Consider Emirates’ fifth freedom routes through Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Dubai, then connecting to Damascus, often pricing 10-25% below direct Australia-Dubai-Damascus routings. These routes frequently offer better aircraft types (A380 or 777-300ER) on the longer segments.
• Leverage Qatar Airways’ mixed-carrier fares combining their services to Doha with Syrian Air to Damascus, typically saving 15-30% compared to single-carrier options. Qatar’s new Adelaide-Doha route launched in January 2024 offers particularly competitive rates starting from AUD 1,200 return.
• For last-minute bookings, Royal Jordanian’s routes via Amman often have excellent deals, especially from Perth via Bangkok. Their partnership with Qantas allows seamless connections from regional Australian cities, and their A320neo aircraft operating to Damascus feature modern interiors with better-than-average 31-inch pitch.

1. Relying on single-leg bookings Instead of piecing together separate flights to Syria, booking a multi-city itinerary through major hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi often provides better protection against missed connections and lost baggage.
2. Not checking travel advisories before booking Due to ongoing conflict, many airlines frequently alter or suspend their Syrian routes, making it essential to verify current flight availability and safety notices through your government’s foreign affairs department.
3. Choosing Damascus as the only arrival option While Damascus International Airport is Syria’s main gateway, considering alternate arrival points like Beirut (Lebanon) with ground transfer can provide more reliable access during periods of service disruption.
4. Booking during peak summer season Flights to Syria between June and August not only cost more but often face delays due to extreme heat and increased regional traffic through Middle Eastern hubs.
5. Insufficient layover time in connecting airports Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai International require at least 3 hours for transfer due to extensive security checks and additional screening for Syria-bound flights.

Emirates

Best for: Most extensive network of departure cities in Australia/NZ to Syria with excellent connectivity.

Operates from 7 Australasian cities to Damascus (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Christchurch), offering one-stop flights via Dubai. Most popular routes are from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Economy Class features comfortable seats with 32-34 inch pitch, comprehensive entertainment system, and high-quality halal meal options. Passengers consistently rate their Syria services 4.2/5, praising efficient connections in Dubai typically under 4 hours.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior onboard comfort and service quality in Economy Class.

Serves 5 departure points (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland) to Damascus via Doha. Major routes operate from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Features industry-leading Economy Class with 33-inch seat pitch, acclaimed catering, and attentive service. Passengers give 4.3/5 rating for Syria routes, though Doha layovers can sometimes extend to 5-6 hours.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Most generous baggage allowance and flexible booking conditions.

Operates from 4 cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) to Damascus through Abu Dhabi. Main traffic flows from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Economy Smart seats offer 31-32 inch pitch with adjustable headrests. Receives 4.0/5 passenger rating, with travelers particularly appreciating the 23kg x 2 pieces baggage allowance and ability to change flights without penalties.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most affordable fares while maintaining good service standards.

Connects 3 Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) to Damascus via Istanbul. Principal routes operate from Sydney and Melbourne. Economy offers 31-inch pitch seats and highly rated Turkish/International cuisine. Averages 3.9/5 passenger rating, with longer layovers in Istanbul (6-8 hours) offset by typically 15-20% lower fares than Gulf carriers.

Traveling from Australasia to Syria requires strategic planning, and utilizing regional APAC carriers can significantly reduce costs while offering more flexible routing options.

Breaking up the journey

Instead of booking a single ticket through major carriers, splitting your journey into segments using regional airlines can save up to 40% on total airfare. The most cost-effective route typically involves flying to Southeast Asia first, then connecting to the Middle East.

Key routing strategies

1. Book a low-cost carrier like AirAsia or Jetstar to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore
2. Connect via regional carriers like Malindo Air or Scoot to Bangkok or Dubai
3. Complete the final leg to Damascus using Middle Eastern carriers like MEA or Royal Jordanian

Money-saving tips

Book each segment separately and allow ample connection time between flights. Consider overnight layovers in hub cities, which often results in better fares. Track prices using tools like Google Flights for at least two months before booking, as regional carriers frequently offer flash sales on these routes.

Remember to check baggage policies carefully, as regional carriers often have stricter allowances than full-service airlines.