On January 23, 2025, commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed after 13 years with Turkish Airlines operating from Istanbul to Damascus. Syrian passengers expressed joy and nostalgia for their homeland, marking an emotional return. The resumption follows recent political changes, with Turkey intending to invest in Syria’s recovery. Turkish Airlines plans to offer regular flights post diplomatic talks between Turkey and Syrian officials.
Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria have recommenced after a hiatus of 13 years, with the inaugural flight operated by Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Damascus on January 23, 2025. According to reports by Turkish media, Syrian families, adorned in their national flag, expressed their joy by singing pro-opposition songs while boarding flight TK0846. The atmosphere in the airplane was lively, with passengers singing the anthem “Hold your head up high, you are a free Syrian,” reflecting their elation and nostalgia for their homeland.
Passengers, such as Fuad Abdulhalid, who has resided in Turkey for over a decade, expressed deep emotional responses, stating, “I missed Syria and am happy to fly back.” Another traveler, Nail Beyazid, shared his optimism about returning home for the first time since his exile due to the conflict, affirming, “We are very happy that [Syria] was liberated, and the situation is very good.” Beyazid also lamented past losses, mentioning his previous possessions in Syria that have since disappeared.
The resumption of flights follows a critical shift in the region, marked by the recent fall of Bashar Assad’s administration after a robust rebel offensive. This political change has led to a renewed interest from various Arab and Western nations in re-establishing diplomatic ties with Syria’s new governing bodies, particularly those led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Significantly, earlier this month, a plane from Royal Jordanian Airlines became the first international commercial flight to land in Damascus since the governmental transition. Turkey, having emerged as a crucial ally for Syria’s new authorities, has articulated plans to invest in various sectors within the Syrian economy, including electricity and energy.
The CEO of Turkish Airlines, Bilal Eksi, recently announced that flights between Istanbul and Damascus would be operated three times weekly. This strategic decision coincided with a visit from Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, to Ankara, where he engaged in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials, highlighting a thaw in relations between the nations.
The resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria marks a significant development in the geopolitical landscape following the recent upheaval in Syrian leadership. For the past decade, the civil conflict in Syria has led to widespread displacement and severed connections with neighboring countries. The recent transition in governance has provided an opportunity for countries to re-engage diplomatically and commercially, suggesting a potential normalization of relations and economic rejuvenation in the region. Turkey, as a primary regional actor, plays a pivotal role in facilitating this reconnection, highlighting its intentions to support Syria’s recovery efforts in various sectors.
The resumption of commercial flights signifies a pivotal moment in the relationship between Turkey and Syria, reflecting a broader political shift following the recent fall of Bashar Assad’s regime. The joyful reunions of Syrian families now able to travel home after years of separation illustrate the human impact of changing political dynamics. As Turkey moves to bolster investment and economic development in Syria, the future of the region may hinge on the continued cooperation between its neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
