AEGEAN Airlines, a Greek carrier, is set to launch direct flights between Athens and Damascus starting December 2, 2026, with up to four weekly departures during the winter season. The new service will coincide with the resumption of flights to Dubai, planned for October 23, 2026, and the company also aims to add routes to Tripoli and Benghazi in Libya by May 2027. These expansions are part of AEGEAN’s strategy to enhance Greece’s international air connections and reinforce Athens’ role as a regional aviation hub. The announcement of the Damascus route was made on October 6, with flights scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The move reflects a shift in the economic landscape of Syria, which has seen the European Union lift most of its economic sanctions in May 2025. However, certain restrictions related to security remain in place, particularly affecting the transport sector. Despite the easing of sanctions, the operating conditions for flights to Syria are not fully normalized. As of October 7, 2026, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) still maintains safety advisories for Syrian airspace. These advisories, updated on October 1 and valid until November 30, highlight ongoing risks such as military activity, missile defense operations, and the presence of armed groups at low altitudes. EASA recommends that airlines avoid flying west of a specific line defined by several navigation points and refrain from operating below a flight level of approximately 7,900 meters in most of the Damascus Flight Information Region. These guidelines will significantly influence the operational framework for AEGEAN’s new route, though the company has not yet provided detailed plans for its Damascus service. The first flight is scheduled just two days after the current advisory expires, requiring AEGEAN to confirm compliance with any updated regulations by December 2. In North Africa, AEGEAN plans to introduce flights to Tripoli and Benghazi in May 2027, though these routes are still in the planning phase. The carrier notes that the launch of these services depends on completing necessary evaluations and regulatory approvals.