Fly Cham Restores International Connectivity From Aleppo to Key Regional Hubs Amid Airspace Restrictions

Fly Cham restarts international flights from Aleppo to Sharjah, Mersin, and Istanbul on March 12, offering free transit from Damascus to help passengers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 11:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from SANA

Strategic Reopening of Northern Aviation Gateways

The Syrian airline Fly Cham has confirmed the resumption of scheduled international services from Aleppo International Airport to meet a surge in passenger demand. According to a statement released on Wednesday, the carrier will begin flights to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and Mersin, Turkey, on March 12, followed by the activation of routes to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport on March 13. These operations are positioned as essential transit links for travelers affected by broader regional disruptions. Company officials emphasized that while the service is currently centered in Aleppo, it remains a temporary solution to maintain international access during a period of significant logistical challenges.

Ground Logistics and Damascus Transit Support

To accommodate travelers from the capital, Fly Cham is providing a complimentary shuttle service between Damascus and Aleppo in both directions. This initiative is designed to assist passengers in reaching Aleppo International Airport while direct operations from Damascus remain suspended due to current airspace restrictions. The airline indicated that the resumption of direct flights from Damascus International Airport is a priority, but is entirely contingent upon the lifting of specific flight bans. By bridging the two major cities via ground transport, the carrier aims to stabilize its passenger load and provide a reliable exit point for those impacted by the closure of southern flight corridors.

Operational Adjustments and Navigational Challenges

The newly launched Aleppo-Sharjah route is classified by the airline as an exceptional service rather than a continuation of regular schedules. Due to high-intensity tension zones across the Middle East, Fly Cham aircraft are required to follow significantly longer flight paths to ensure passenger safety. This navigational shift has led to a measurable increase in fuel consumption and heightened insurance premiums for all regional operations. Despite these added operational requirements, the airline has managed to sustain its fleet availability, adapting its flight deck protocols to meet the stringent safety standards imposed by current emergency circumstances.