Istanbul – After a 13-year suspension, Turkish Airlines has officially resumed flights to Syria, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s aviation history.

The inaugural flight departed Istanbul Airport at noon on January 23, 2025, and landed at Damascus International Airport after a two-hour journey. This development comes after services were halted in 2012 due to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Connecting Nations Once More

Turkish Airlines is now operating three weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus. The move aims to restore vital links between the two nations, enabling family reunions, fostering business opportunities, and supporting regional recovery efforts.

Passengers aboard the first flight shared emotional stories of reunion and hope. “This is my first time returning to my homeland since we fled,” said 14-year-old Fatma Zehra, who left Syria with her family at the age of two. “I’m excited to finally meet my grandmother in Aleppo.”

Another passenger, Ahmet Kiraz, expressed gratitude for the resumption of services. “We thought returning to Syria would never be possible. Being on this flight feels like a dream come true,” he said.

This milestone coincides with broader efforts to normalize relations between Türkiye and Syria. Türkiye recently reopened its embassy in Damascus, while Damascus International Airport has resumed international operations after years of limited activity.

The resumption of Turkish Airlines flights reflects a significant step toward rebuilding diplomatic and economic ties, further emphasizing the airline’s role in connecting communities and fostering regional stability.

The revival of flights is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two countries. For Syrians abroad, it provides an accessible route home, while for businesses, it creates opportunities for growth in a recovering region.

As Turkish Airlines returns to Syrian skies, it symbolizes not only the resumption of travel but also the rekindling of hope for families and communities affected by years of conflict.