Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Syria after 13-year pause PHOTO

Turkish Airlines (THY) has resumed flights to Syria, marking the end of a 13-year hiatus.

The first scheduled flight from Istanbul to Damascus took off today, January 23, signalling a significant step in the normalization of travel between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The flight, designated TK 846, was operated on a wide-body aircraft from Istanbul Airport to the Syrian capital, Damascus. It was the first scheduled flight to Syria since Turkish Airlines suspended services in April 2012 due to escalating civil unrest in the region.

Many Syrians expressed joy at the opportunity to return home after years of displacement. Some passengers were seen proudly carrying the flag of the Syrian revolution, reflecting the country's turbulent past.

Flights between Türkiye and Syria were suspended over concerns related to the ongoing conflict. However, recent developments in Syria have paved the way for the resumption of services. 

Damascus International Airport had remained closed for nearly a month but resumed operations on January 7, 2025, after significant shifts in the political landscape.

The resumption of air travel comes amid ongoing military and political changes in Syria. In late November 2024, Syrian opposition forces launched a major offensive, leading to the capture of key cities, including Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and Damascus. This raised questions about the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Reports from the Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that Assad had resigned and left Syria, reportedly instructing a peaceful transfer of power. It was later confirmed that Assad, along with his family, had travelled to Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin granted him asylum.

By Tamilla Hasanova