Commercial Flights Reopen Between Turkey and Syria After 13 Years

On January 23, 2025, Turkish Airlines resumed commercial flights from Istanbul to Damascus, marking the end of a 13-year hiatus. Syrian passengers celebrated their return, expressing hope for Syria’s future after the ousting of President Bashar Assad. Turkey aims to invest in Syria’s recovery following recent political changes and plans to operate three weekly flights between the nations.

On January 23, 2025, commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed after a hiatus of 13 years, marked by a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Passengers, predominantly Syrian families, celebrated by singing patriotic songs and waving national flags, reflecting a strong sentiment of hope and pride as they prepared for their journey home. Fuad Abdulhalid, who has lived in Turkey for over a decade, expressed his joy, stating, “I missed Syria and am happy to fly back.” Another passenger, Nail Beyazid, was enthusiastic about returning to his homeland for the first time since fleeing, reflecting on the impact of improving conditions in Syria, “We are very happy that [Syria] was liberated, and the situation is very good.”

The resumption of flights is significant in light of the recent political changes in Syria, following the swift rebel offensive that led to the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The natural following has been the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Arab and Western nations and the new authorities in Syria, particularly the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Furthermore, a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight had previously marked the first international flight into Damascus since the political upheaval.

Turkey’s role as a crucial ally to the new Syrian leadership is evident, as the Turkish government is keen on investing in Syria’s economy, notably in the energy sector. This revitalization effort follows diplomatic engagements between Turkish officials and Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, who met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this month. In coming weeks, Turkish Airlines plans to operate three weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus, marking a significant step in normalizing air travel between the two nations.

The resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria is a pivotal development following a prolonged period of political turbulence and conflict in Syria. This move indicates strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries after the recent changes in Syria’s government dynamics. The fall of President Bashar Assad, following a rebel offensive, has prompted various countries to re-engage with Syria’s new authorities, offering opportunities for economic recovery and investment from neighboring countries, especially Turkey.

In conclusion, the reinstatement of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria signifies a notable shift in the geopolitical landscape following a decade of conflict. The celebrations among returning Syrians embody a renewed sense of hope for rebuilding their lives post-conflict. With Turkey signaling its intention to aid Syria’s economic recovery, this development could pave the way for more robust bilateral relations in the future.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com