Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Syria

Direct flight routes to Syria

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

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Main hub for Turkish Airlines, offering multiple daily connections to Damascus. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern airport with excellent shopping and Turkish Airlines’ CIP Lounge.

Beirut (BEY) – Middle East Airlines hub with regular flights to Damascus. Connection times average 5 hours. Small but efficient airport, though schedules can be irregular.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates’ massive hub with connections to Syria via partner airlines. Minimum connection time 4 hours. Outstanding duty-free shopping and multiple lounges available during layover.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways hub offering connections with 3-5 hour layovers. Modern facilities with the advantage of centralized terminal operations.

Time vs money

Multi-stop routes through Middle Eastern hubs typically offer the best value for money, with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul being the most economical option. Longer layovers generally result in lower fares, while shorter connection times command premium prices.

Tips and recommendations

• Book flights through Istanbul during off-peak seasons (October-March) for best rates and availability.


• Consider breaking journey in Beirut with 24-hour stopover for easier border crossing into Syria by land.


• Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer lower fares and less crowded connection flights.


• Many credit card travel insurance policies don’t cover Syria – separate travel insurance is essential.


• Book separate tickets for each leg only if price difference exceeds $300, as airlines won’t assist with missed connections on separate bookings.

• Turkish Airlines offers the most extensive network to Syria via Istanbul, with daily flights to Damascus and Aleppo from multiple North American gateways including Chicago, New York, and Toronto. Their Economy Class on Boeing 787s features 31-inch pitch seats with 18-inch width, typically priced 15-20% below market average. Connection times in Istanbul are reasonable, usually 3-4 hours.
• Consider routing through Beirut, Lebanon using Middle East Airlines (MEA) for the final leg, connecting from Air France, KLM, or Lufthansa services from North America. MEA operates multiple daily flights to Damascus with modern A320/321 aircraft, and their fares are often significantly lower than direct routings.
• Royal Jordanian’s hub in Amman serves as an excellent gateway to Syria, with connections from Montreal, Chicago, and New York. Their crown class (premium economy) offers superior comfort at competitive prices, and the airline frequently runs promotions with up to 25% discounts on North America-Syria routes.
• For West Coast travelers, Emirates’ services via Dubai can be surprisingly economical, especially when booked 3-4 months in advance. Their A380 Economy Class offers superior comfort for the long-haul segment, and connection times in Dubai are typically under 4 hours.
• Utilize multi-city booking options combining different airlines, such as Air Canada/Lufthansa to Vienna or Frankfurt, then switching to Austrian Airlines or Lufthansa for the final leg to Damascus. These combinations often yield better prices than single-airline itineraries while offering more routing flexibility.

1. Ignoring layover city visa requirements Many travelers get stranded at airports in common transit points like Istanbul or Dubai because they didn’t check if they need a transit visa for their connection.
2. Booking direct routes that don’t exist Since there are no direct flights from North America to Syria, travelers waste time searching for non-existent direct routes instead of planning efficient connections through major Middle Eastern hubs.
3. Flying into Damascus International only Travelers limit their options by focusing solely on Damascus International Airport when Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport in neighboring Lebanon can be a safer and more reliable entry point with ground transport to Syria.
4. Not checking flight schedules seasonality Middle Eastern carriers frequently adjust their schedules to Syria based on regional conditions, so booking far in advance without verifying if the route will still be operating can lead to cancellations.
5. Missing required documentation verification Travelers often fail to verify that their airline is licensed to fly into Syria and has proper insurance coverage, which can result in denied boarding or insurance coverage issues.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive network of North American departure cities to Syria with excellent service quality.

Serves Damascus from 12 US and Canadian airports, with main departure points being New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Toronto (YYZ). Single stopover in Istanbul provides efficient connections. Economy class offers generous 32-inch seat pitch, high-quality Turkish cuisine, and comprehensive entertainment system. Passengers consistently rate their Syria routes 4.3/5, praising the cultural sensitivity of cabin crew and reliable baggage handling.

Royal Jordanian

Best for: Shortest overall journey times to Syria through Amman hub.

Operates from 5 North American cities, primarily New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Montreal (YUL). The Amman stopover typically keeps total journey time under 16 hours. Economy cabin features comfortable 31-inch pitch seats and Middle Eastern cuisine options. Receives 4.1/5 passenger rating for Syria routes, with particular appreciation for smooth connection processes.

Emirates

Best for: Superior inflight entertainment and meal service even in Economy Class.

Connects 9 North American cities to Syria, mainly from New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), and Los Angeles (LAX). Dubai stopover adds some journey time but offers excellent airport facilities. Economy offers industry-leading entertainment options, 33-inch seat pitch, and highly rated halal meal selections. Maintains 4.4/5 passenger rating on Syria routes.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Most consistent service quality and newest aircraft fleet to Syria.

Services from 7 North American destinations, primarily Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), and Chicago (ORD). Doha connection is efficient with modern airport facilities. Economy class features 32-inch seat pitch, high-quality dining options, and new Airbus A350/Boeing 787 aircraft on most routes. Achieves 4.3/5 passenger rating for Syria flights, with high marks for aircraft cleanliness and crew service.

Getting to Syria through regional APAC carriers

Savvy travelers can save significantly on flights to Syria by leveraging Asia-Pacific regional airlines, though this requires strategic planning and longer travel times.

Key strategy points

1. Break the journey in major Asian hubs – Book separate tickets to Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur using mainstream carriers, then connect to Middle Eastern destinations using budget airlines
2. Utilize low-cost carriers – Airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, or Cebu Pacific offer significantly cheaper rates from Southeast Asia to Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai or Doha
3. Connect to Damascus – From Gulf hubs, use regional carriers like FlyDubai or Air Arabia for final legs to Syria

Money-saving tips

Book long-haul segments during off-peak seasons (October-March) and monitor fare sales from major carriers like Korean Air or Japan Airlines. Consider multi-city options through Istanbul or Beirut for additional savings. Remember to factor in overnight stays at connection points, as budget carriers rarely offer convenient same-day connections.

While this approach can save 30-40% compared to traditional routings, carefully check baggage policies and connection times, as budget carriers typically have stricter limitations.