DAMASCUS, SYRIA – International flights have recommenced at Syria’s principal airport in Damascus, marking a significant step towards normalization following recent political upheaval. The first international commercial flight since the Islamist-led rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad last month took off on Tuesday.
A Syrian Airlines flight departed for Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, at approximately 11:45 am local time (0845 GMT). This flight was the first of its kind since December 8, signaling a return to international connectivity for the Syrian capital.
“Today marks a new beginning,” said Damascus airport director Anis Fallouh to AFP. He emphasized the resumption of both outbound and inbound international flights, noting the significance of the Sharjah-bound flight as a milestone.
Prior to this, international aid planes and diplomatic delegations had been utilizing the airport, alongside domestic flights which resumed earlier. The first domestic flight post-overthrow took off on December 18, heading to Aleppo in northern Syria, ten days after Assad’s removal from power.
This development is seen as a critical move towards stabilizing the region’s air travel infrastructure and reconnecting Syria with the global community amidst ongoing changes in its political landscape.
Key Points:
Resumption of International Flights: International flights have resumed at Damascus Airport, marking the first such flights since Islamist-led rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad last month.
First Flight Details: The first international commercial flight was operated by Syrian Airlines and departed for Sharjah, UAE, at around 11:45 am local time (0845 GMT).
Significance: Airport director Anis Fallouh highlighted this as a “new beginning,” indicating the restoration of international connectivity for Damascus.
Previous Activity: Before this, the airport had been used by international aid planes and foreign diplomatic delegations. Domestic flights had also resumed earlier.
Timeline: The last international flight from Damascus was on December 8, with domestic flights restarting on December 18, ten days after Assad’s ousting.
