The first international commercial flight since the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has successfully landed at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday, arriving from Qatar. This historic flight signifies a gradual restoration of international air travel to Syria, a country that has been isolated due to over a decade of civil unrest and ongoing conflict.

Passengers on the flight, primarily Syrian nationals, returned home for the first time in many years, with some expressing emotional joy at their long-awaited arrivals. Osama Musalama, who traveled from the United States, shared, “I lost hope that I would come back to Syria... but thank God now the country is back to its people.” This flight not only symbolizes the rekindling of ties but also the repairing of infrastructure that had suffered years of neglect and damage.

In a related development, Jordan's state-run Petra news agency reported that a Royal Jordanian Airlines plane had conducted a test flight to Damascus. Captain Haitham Misto, head of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, was on board to assess the airport's technical conditions, paving the way for future regular flight operations.

Since the swift rebel offensive that led to Assad's removal, both Arab and Western nations that had previously severed ties with the Assad regime are seeking to establish diplomatic relations with Syria's new authorities, predominantly led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The political dynamics in Syria have shifted markedly as the transitional government aims to rebuild strain relationships with neighboring countries.

Moreover, Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, has been actively engaging with several Gulf nations—including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—to discuss cooperation opportunities. These Gulf states are poised to play a crucial role in financing Syria's reconstruction following nearly 14 years of civil war.

In meetings with Jordanian officials, al-Shibani emphasized “mechanisms of cooperation in many areas including borders, security, energy, transportation, water, trade, and other vital sectors.” This collaboration is critical as Syria works to enhance regional security and address issues stemming from its previous drug trade, particularly concerning Captagon.

Under the previous regime, Syria was notorious for producing and trafficking Captagon, creating significant tension with Jordan. The new Syrian authorities have commenced operations to dismantle Captagon production facilities, which includes sites such as the Mazzeh air base in Damascus and other locations.

The restored air connections and burgeoning diplomatic relations reflect a potential renewal for Syria amidst its efforts to rebuild after a long period of conflict. The flight into Damascus represents a significant step forward in re-establishing the country's international presence and fostering collaboration with its neighbors.