In a significant milestone for Syria’s recovery, the first international flight in nearly 13 years landed in Damascus on Tuesday. This marks the resumption of international flights at the country’s main airport. The Qatar Airways flight from Doha touched down at 1:00 pm local time (10:00 GMT), coinciding with the departure of the first outbound international flight to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Return of International Flight to Damascus
This marks the first international commercial flight to land at Damascus International Airport since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Passengers were greeted by relatives and friends inside the terminal, celebrating the momentous occasion. The flight represents a step forward in Syria’s ongoing efforts to recover from over a decade of conflict, which has severely damaged its infrastructure and economy.
Qatar’s Support in Rehabilitating the Airport
Qatar has played a vital role in helping to rehabilitate Damascus International Airport, which suffered extensive damage during the years of conflict, as well as from Israeli air strikes. Ashad al-Suleibi, head of Syria’s Air Transport Authority, acknowledged the challenges faced in restoring the airport to operational standards. He emphasized the significant efforts involved in repairing the facility, which had suffered years of neglect under Assad’s regime. “There was a lot of damage from the regime to this lively area and this lively airport,” al-Suleibi said, referring to both Damascus and Aleppo airports.
Returning Syrian Nationals and Rebuilding Ties
Among the passengers arriving on the flight were many Syrian nationals returning home after a long absence. Some, like Osama Musalama, who came from the United States, had not visited Syria since before the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. The resumption of international flights follows a series of diplomatic moves, with Arab and Western countries re-establishing relations with Syria’s new authorities following the recent rebel offensive that ousted Assad.
In the wake of Assad’s ouster, foreign ministers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have visited Syria, signaling an intent to contribute to the country’s reconstruction efforts. Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, assured neighboring Jordan that threats related to drug trafficking would not recur under the new authorities.
While the resumption of international flights signifies a positive shift, Syria continues to grapple with economic challenges, exacerbated by Western sanctions. The country faces severe energy shortages, with citizens receiving only a few hours of electricity each day.
