Syrian airspace to reopen for flights as preparations for civil aviation resume
A picture shows a Syrian Air plane on the tarmak of Damascus International Airport on December 11, 2024. (AFP Photo)
The Syrian transitional government announced that airspace in Syria will reopen for air traffic within the “coming hours”, signaling a step toward restoring normalcy after the recent upheaval.
Bahaa al-Din Sharem, the Minister of Transport, confirmed that preparations are underway to resume operations at key airports and border crossings.
Damascus and Aleppo Airports ready for flights
In an interview with the Al-Hadath channel on Dec.12, Sharem stated that both Damascus and Aleppo international airports are prepared to resume operations.
Technical staff have been deployed to ensure smooth arrivals and departures, with the operational dates for both airports expected to be announced in the coming days.
Maintenance work has been ongoing to repair damages at the airports, including electrical infrastructure at Damascus Airport.
The Ministry of Transport is also equipping civilian airports to facilitate the return of Syrian nationals and the arrival of international delegations. Aircraft maintenance official Samer Radi reported that 12 aircraft remain grounded at Damascus Airport.
Border crossings with neighboring countries
Efforts are also focused on organizing land border crossings with neighboring countries. Sharem indicated that all crossings between Syria and Lebanon are expected to resume operations next week.
Background: Airspace closed following Assad regime collapse
Syria’s main airports had suspended operations after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which led to opposition-led forces seizing large areas, including the capital, Damascus.
