German carrier LEAV Aviation on Wednesday operated its first direct flight from Dusseldorf to Damascus in nearly 14 years, restoring scheduled air service between Germany and Syria.

Axar.az reports, citing Sana, that the inaugural flight, carrying Syrian passengers, marks the start of the airline's regular operations to Syria.

“The inaugural flight marks the start of the airline’s scheduled operations to Syria and is expected to strengthen air links between Syria and Germany,” said Omar Hosari, head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.

Syrian aviation authorities said the resumption of flights is part of a broader effort to expand international connectivity. LEAV Aviation is set to launch direct Cologne–Aleppo services on Aug. 1, while German carrier Sundair will begin flights between Berlin and Damascus on Aug. 1, followed by Berlin–Aleppo services on Oct. 1.

The departure ceremony at Dusseldorf Airport was attended by Mohammed Baraa Shukri, chargé d’affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Berlin.