Resumption of Commercial Flights Between Turkey and Syria After 13 Years

Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed after 13 years, beginning with a Turkish Airlines flight. Passengers expressed joy and nostalgia, celebrating the journey back home. This initiative follows recent diplomatic changes and an interest from Turkey to invest in Syria’s economy. Flights will operate three times weekly as both nations work toward stronger economic ties.

Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria have recommenced for the first time in 13 years, with Turkish Airlines initiating service from Istanbul to Damascus. As passengers prepared for the journey, many expressed joy and nostalgia, particularly Syrian families who celebrated their return with patriotic songs. One passenger, Fuad Abdulhalid, who has lived in Turkey for over a decade, shared his excitement, stating he missed Syria and was pleased to fly back.

Another traveler, Nail Beyazid, expressed optimism about returning home after fleeing Syria, stating, “We are very happy that (Syria) was liberated, and the situation is very good.” He reminisced about his former life, lamenting the loss of his house and belongings while looking forward to assessing the current state of his home country. This resumption of flights follows a significant shift in political dynamics following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Recent diplomatic changes have led to Arab and Western nations reopening ties with the new authorities in Syria, primarily led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The resumption of international flights began with a Royal Jordanian Airlines plane landing in Damascus earlier this month, marking a gradual reintegration of Syria into the global community. In this context, Turkey intends to invest in Syria’s economy, particularly in energy and infrastructure.

Turkish Airlines has announced a schedule of three flights per week between Istanbul and Damascus. This decision came after a meeting between Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reflecting Turkey’s enhanced diplomatic engagement with the new Syrian authorities. As this relationship develops, both countries look forward to strengthening economic ties.

The resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria comes after a prolonged period of strained relations due to the ongoing conflict in Syria that has spanned over a decade. The recent change in political control following the ousting of President Bashar Assad has prompted a shift in diplomatic relationships. The newly established authority in Syria, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has encouraged former allies, like Turkey, to reestablish connections, including commercial travel. International flights are slowly resuming as countries reassess their positions with the new Syrian leadership and explore potential partnerships to aid in the region’s recovery.

The resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria symbolizes a significant shift in diplomatic relations following years of conflict and isolation. As Turkey seeks to strengthen ties with Syria’s new authorities and invest in the country’s economy, these flights serve as a crucial step towards rebuilding connections. The emotional responses from passengers highlight the longing for home and the hope for stability within Syria.

Original Source: apnews.com