Resumption of Commercial Flights Between Turkey and Syria After 13 Years

Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on January 23, 2025, after a 13-year hiatus, marking a significant change following the ousting of Bashar Assad. Passengers celebrated their return to Syria, reflecting hope and joy. Turkey aims to strengthen financial support for Syria’s economy as diplomatic ties are rebuilt.

On January 23, 2025, commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed for the first time in 13 years with a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. The atmosphere at the airport was filled with emotion as Syrian families adorned in their national flags sang pro-opposition songs while preparing to board flight TK0846. Celebrations continued on the plane, where passengers sang the anthem “Hold your head up high, you are a free Syrian,” highlighting their joy and longing for home.

Fuad Abdulhalid, a passenger who had been residing in Turkey for twelve years, expressed his elation, saying, “I missed Syria and am happy to fly back.” Another traveler, Nail Beyazid, who was returning to his homeland for the first time since fleeing, spoke of hope for Syria’s future: “We are very happy that [Syria] was liberated, and the situation is very good. We had a house, a factory… which are gone now. We are going back to take a look.”

The resumption of flights comes in the wake of significant political changes following a rebel offensive that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad. Countries that had severed ties with Syria are now rebuilding diplomatic relationships, particularly with the new authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group originating from the insurgent movement. Earlier in January, a plane from Royal Jordanian Airlines marked the first international commercial flight to land in Damascus since the regime change.

Turkey has positioned itself as an important ally to Syria’s new authorities, indicating plans to support and invest in Syria’s economy, particularly in its electricity and energy sectors. The CEO of Turkish Airlines, Bilal Eksi, announced there would be three flights weekly between Istanbul and Damascus, a development that followed discussions between Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani.

The recent resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria signifies a crucial shift in regional relations following years of political and military upheaval. For 13 years, flights were suspended due to the ongoing conflict in Syria that resulted in an exodus and strained relations between the two countries. With the fall of Bashar Assad, there is an apparent thaw in diplomatic ties, allowing nations to reinstate communication and travel connections with Syria’s emerging leadership.

The resuming of flights between Turkey and Syria marks a historic moment, symbolizing renewed hope and a shift in diplomatic relations after years of conflict. Passengers expressed joy and nostalgia as they prepared to return to their homeland, highlighting the emotional significance of this development. With Turkey’s plans to invest in Syria’s recovery, particularly in essential services, this could pave the way for further economic and diplomatic advancements in the region.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com