Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on January 23, 2025, after 13 years with Turkish Airlines transporting passengers from Istanbul to Damascus. The mood was celebratory among those returning to their homeland, reflecting hope and optimism following the recent political changes in Syria. This reopening of air travel signifies potential economic collaboration between Turkey and the new Syrian authorities.
Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on January 23, 2025, after a 13-year hiatus, marking a significant development in regional connectivity. Turkish Airlines operated the inaugural flight from Istanbul to Damascus, attracting attention from Turkish media, which highlighted Syrian families celebrating as they prepared to board. During the flight, passengers sang pro-opposition songs, evoking emotions tied to their homeland. One passenger, Fuad Abdulhalid, expressed his joy about returning, having lived in Turkey for over a decade.
Nail Beyazid, another passenger, shared his sentiments as he returned to Syria for the first time since his departure due to conflict. Beyazid declared, “We are very happy that [Syria] was liberated, and the situation is very good. We had a house, a factory. We also had cars, which are gone now. We are going back to take a look.” This enthusiasm coincided with the recent political landscape changes in Syria following the ousting of President Bashar Assad.
The resumption of flights follows Syria’s recent shift in power dynamics, with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham assuming control in the aftermath of a rapid rebel offensive. Various countries, including Arab and Western nations, are re-establishing diplomatic relations, thus facilitating a new avenue for international travel. A previous flight from Royal Jordanian Airlines had already marked the return of international commercial aviation earlier this month.
The return of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria is a noteworthy event, particularly given the complex political and social dynamics stemming from the Syrian Civil War. With the recent ousting of President Bashar Assad, the region is witnessing a gradual reopening of diplomatic relations between Syria and several international entities. Turkish Airlines’ resumption of service illustrates both a desire for reconnection between Syrians and their homeland, as well as Turkey’s strategic alliance with the new authorities in Syria. The economic implications are also significant, as Turkey plans to invest in Syria’s struggling sectors, notably energy and electricity, signaling a shift towards re-establishing stability in the region.
In conclusion, the resumption of commercial flights from Turkey to Syria indicates significant shifts in the geopolitical climate of the region following years of conflict. As passengers celebrate their return, this development reflects a cautious optimism about Syria’s future stability and reconstruction. The collaborative efforts between Turkey and Syria’s new authorities may pave the way for economic recovery and heightened connectivity between the two nations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
