Damascus, Syria – Syria’s national airline resumed direct flights to Istanbul on Tuesday, marking the first such service between the two countries in 14 years, as diplomatic and transport links begin to normalize across the region.
Syrian Airlines said the first flight from Damascus International Airport to Istanbul Airport departed at 5:30 p.m. local time and was expected to land at 7:30 p.m., according to state-run Ikhbariya TV.
The airline described the move as “a new beginning for strengthening connectivity and easing travel between Syria and Turkey.”
Air traffic between the neighbours was suspended in 2011 following the outbreak of Syria’s civil war and the subsequent severing of ties with Ankara.
The resumption of service comes amid a broader regional trend of reengagement with Damascus after years of diplomatic and economic isolation.
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In May, Saudi budget carrier Flyadeal said it could begin flights to Syria as early as July, following recent regulatory approvals.
“We received the green light last week and are preparing for launch,” CEO Steven Greenway told Reuters in Manila at the time.
Several carriers, including Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, and Turkish Airlines, have resumed service to Syria in recent months as sanctions ease and the country stabilizes following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.
The UAE’s civil aviation authority also announced in April it was coordinating with Syrian counterparts to restart direct flights between the two countries.
