Resumption of Commercial Flights Between Turkey and Syria After 13 Years

Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on Thursday after a 13-year hiatus, beginning with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Damascus. Passengers celebrated their emotional return, marking a significant political shift in Syria with the ousting of President Bashar Assad. Turkey plans to invest in Syria’s economy and re-establish diplomatic relations, with as many as three flights weekly announced by Turkish Airlines.

On Thursday, commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed for the first time in 13 years, beginning with a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Celebrations erupted, with Syrian families brandishing their national flag and singing pro-opposition songs as they prepared to board the flight. On board, passengers joyfully sang the anthem of the uprising, expressing their emotional connection to their homeland.

Among those celebrating was Fuad Abdulhalid, a Syrian expatriate who remarked, “I missed Syria and am happy to fly back.” Another passenger, Nail Beyazid, reflected on his hopes to return to his hometown, emphasizing, “We had a house, a factory. We also had cars, which are gone now. We are going back to take a look.”

The resumption of flights comes following significant political changes in Syria, including a recent rebel offensive that led to the ousting of President Bashar Assad. In light of these changes, both Arab and Western nations have begun to restore diplomatic relations with the new de facto authorities in Syria, particularly the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Earlier this month, the first international flight post-Assad’s departure, operated by Royal Jordanian Airlines, successfully landed in Damascus. Turkey, a principal ally of the new Syrian authorities, aims to invest in Syria’s economy while assisting its struggling energy and electricity sectors, as articulated by Turkish Airlines’ CEO.

Bilal Eksi announced the establishment of three flights per week between Istanbul and Damascus, coinciding with a visit from Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani to Turkey. This visit included discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other government officials.

The resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria marks a significant diplomatic shift after more than a decade of unrest in Syria. The recent political developments, including the recent rebel offensive, have altered the landscape of Syrian governance, leading to the emergence of new authorities and a desire for normalization of relations with neighboring countries, especially Turkey. This transition reflects broader efforts from affected nations to reinstate trade and travel links, enabling families once separated by conflict to reunite. Turkey’s role as a key ally of the emerging Syrian authorities signifies a commitment to rebuilding and investing in Syria’s economy, a critical step towards stability in the region. The return of air travel symbolizes both hope for Syrians and the potential for diplomatic progress. With renewed flights, individuals can reconnect with their homeland while experiencing the tangible changes in the political atmosphere following years of civil conflict. These developments have gained attention from various global media and diplomatic outlets, highlighting their importance to the future of Syria’s economic and social revitalization.

The resumption of flights between Turkey and Syria marks a pivotal moment for both nations, reflecting a shift in diplomatic relations following years of conflict. The emotional responses of Syrian families and the aspirations expressed by passengers underscore the significance of this development. As countries re-establish connections and Turkey seeks to support Syria’s recovery, the resumption of air travel symbolizes hope for a brighter future for the people affected by years of strife.

Original Source: apnews.com