Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Damascus, Aleppo after 13-year hiatus
An Airbus A330, of which Turkish Airlines is the largest operator, at now defunct Istanbul Ataturk Airport, with multiple other Turkish Airlines aircraft in the background (Turkish Airlines Photo)
Turkish Airlines (THY) is preparing to resume flights to Damascus and Aleppo International Airports after a 13-year pause.
The airline, which halted its Syria operations in 2011, has opened ticket sales for these destinations on its website and app, though the exact start date for flights has yet to be announced.
Preparations underway for safe operations
Speaking to the Turkish media outlet Hurriyet at the launch of THY’s Santiago route, CEO Bilal Eksi confirmed that meticulous preparations are being conducted to ensure safe and efficient operations to Syria.
A team from Türkiye’s State Airports Authority (DHMI) recently visited the airports in Damascus and Aleppo for inspections, highlighting the need for detailed evaluations due to the prolonged suspension of flights.
Eksi noted the strategic importance of these routes, stating, “Damascus and Aleppo are highly productive destinations, and their reopening will enhance connectivity to other major routes.”
Rebuilding connections between Türkiye and Syria
The resumption of flights coincides with Türkiye’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with Syria, particularly after the recent political changes in the region.
The move is also expected to support post-conflict reconstruction efforts and provide Turkish businesses with opportunities to contribute to Syria‘s rebuilding process.
Industry experts anticipate daily flights between Türkiye and Syria once the routes are fully operational. Eksi also emphasized that the resumed services would make travel to neighboring countries, such as Jordan, more convenient.
