Resumption of Commercial Flights Between Turkey and Syria After 13 Years
Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on Thursday after 13 years, with Turkish Airlines operating the inaugural flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Syrian passengers expressed joy and relief at returning to their homeland post-conflict, amidst a backdrop of improving diplomatic relations between Turkey and Syria’s new authorities.
On Thursday, commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed for the first time since 2010, marked by a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. The event was celebrated by Syrian families at the airport, who sang pro-opposition songs and expressed their joys over returning home. Passengers on board, including Fuad Abdulhalid, who had been residing in Turkey for 12 years, shared emotional sentiments about their long-awaited trip back to Syria.
The resumption of commercial flights comes in the wake of significant political shifts in Syria, particularly following the recent overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s regime. This change has led to the reopening of diplomatic relations between various countries and Syria’s new authorities, primarily governed by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Previous restrictions on travel and trade are easing as the region moves towards reconstruction and economic stability, with Turkey taking a leading role in these efforts.
In conclusion, the renewed flights between Turkey and Syria signal a positive step towards normalized relations and economic cooperation following years of conflict. Turkish Airlines plans to operate flights regularly three times a week, reflecting Turkey’s role as a key ally to Syria’s new government. Both nations appear poised to engage in rehabilitation efforts as ties strengthen further.
Original Source: apnews.com
