Resumption of Flights Between Turkey and Syria After 13-Year Hiatus
Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on Thursday, marking a significant milestone after a 13-year hiatus. Turkish Airlines operated the first flight to Damascus, with passengers celebrating their return home. The resumption follows recent political changes in Syria, with Turkey intending to invest in the country’s recovering economy.
On Thursday, commercial flights connecting Turkey and Syria resumed after a hiatus of 13 years, with Turkish Airlines operating the inaugural flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Footage from Turkish media captured Syrian families celebrating with their national flag and singing pro-opposition anthems in anticipation of the flight. Onboard, passengers continued to express their joy, singing the song “Hold your head up high, you are a free Syrian.”
Among the passengers was Fuad Abdulhalid, who remarked, “I missed Syria and am happy to fly back.” Another traveler, Nail Beyazid, shared his excitement about returning home for the first time since fleeing the country, commenting on the significant changes he witnessed since leaving.
This renewed relationship follows the recent ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad and the subsequent reopening of diplomatic ties by various Arab and Western nations with Syria’s new governing body, led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Earlier, a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight marked the first commercial arrival in Syria since Assad’s fall, signaling a shift in foreign engagement.
As a significant ally to Syria’s new authorities, Turkey has conveyed its plans to invest in Syria’s struggling economy, especially in the energy sector. Turkish Airlines plans to operate three flights weekly between Istanbul and Damascus, as announced by the airline’s CEO, Bilal Eksi, following discussions between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
The resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria represents a pivotal moment in the reconciliation of relations following over a decade of conflict in Syria. Following a notable political shift that has seen the new de facto authorities take control, regional and international governments are beginning to engage with Syria again. This renewed connectivity between Turkey and Syria signifies an important step towards improved diplomatic relations and economic collaboration in the region.
The reestablishment of commercial air travel signifies a promising restart for relations between Turkey and Syria after years of estrangement. Passengers returning to Syria express optimism about rebuilding their lives in a country that is now witnessing shifts in governance and diplomacy. The commitment by Turkey to support Syria’s economic recovery highlights the potential for future collaboration as Syria seeks to stabilize and recover from prolonged conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
