Syria has resumed international commercial flights for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime, marking a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to rebuild its aviation infrastructure and reestablish global ties. Damascus International Airport saw its first international departures and arrivals on Tuesday, signaling renewed hope for regional and global connectivity.
Resurgence of Syrian Air Travel
In an atmosphere of optimism, the first commercial flight from Damascus to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), departed Tuesday morning with 145 passengers. Hours earlier, a Qatari passenger plane landed at Damascus International Airport, the first such flight in 13 years.
“A new start today,” said Anis Falouh, the airport’s director. “We have started receiving and departing international flights after years of closure.” Falouh highlighted the recent arrival of international delegations and aid planes, emphasizing the airport’s restored readiness.
Qatar Airways, which announced the resumption of flights last week, will operate three weekly flights to Damascus. This development reflects a growing trend of regional airlines reestablishing links with Syria. On Tuesday, a Royal Jordanian Airlines test flight from Amman to Damascus further demonstrated the renewed interest in restoring air connectivity.
Partners in Rehabilitation
Qatar has been instrumental in supporting the rehabilitation of Syria’s aviation sector. A Qatari official told AFP that Doha has offered technical support for airport maintenance and the resumption of commercial and cargo flights.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation is in talks with its STG counterpart to resume flights between the two countries within a week. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Oraloglu indicated Ankara’s willingness to assist in airport operations as part of broader regional stabilization efforts.
Iran, too, has expressed readiness to resume flights to Syria, pending necessary licensing from the Syrian authorities. The director of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, Hossein Pourfarzaneh, confirmed that Tehran is prepared to support Syria’s aviation recovery.
Expansion of Airport Operations
The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Syria announced that Aleppo International Airport would be operational within days. However, airports in Qamishli, Deir Ezzor, and Latakia remain in need of extensive repairs due to sabotage and neglect. Plans are underway to rehabilitate these facilities and establish domestic and international flight routes.
“We are working diligently to restore operations at all airports,” said Ashhad Al-Salibi, Director General of Syrian Civil Aviation. “This includes ensuring safety standards and preparing infrastructure for regular flight schedules.”
The reopening of Damascus International Airport has already seen flights to Baghdad and Erbil scheduled later this week, with additional routes to regional destinations expected soon.
Regional Cooperation & Economic Recovery
The resumption of flights comes amid broader efforts by the STG to reconnect Syria with the international community. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has visited key Arab capitals, including Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Amman to bolster diplomatic and economic ties.
Regional airlines and governments view the reopening of Syria’s airspace as a critical step in fostering stability and economic recovery. In addition to technical support, Qatar and Turkey have pledged to help modernize Syria’s aviation infrastructure, with a focus on safety and efficiency.
The STG sees the rehabilitation of airports as a vital component of rebuilding the economy and encouraging international investment. With the resumption of commercial flights, Syria is beginning to reclaim its position as a hub for regional trade and travel.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these strides, significant challenges remain. Airports such as those in Qamishli and Latakia require extensive repairs, and international sanctions continue to impact the country’s aviation sector. Nevertheless, the resumption of flights at Damascus International Airport represents a significant milestone in Syria’s journey toward reconstruction and global reintegration. As Syria opens its skies to the world once again, the country looks to strengthen its regional partnerships and build a foundation for sustained economic growth and connectivity.
