Syria's main airport in Damascus is poised to resume international flights on January 7, 2025, for the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last month. The state news agency Sana reported that Ashhad al-Salibi, the head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, confirmed the reopening, stating, “We announce we will start receiving international flights to and from Damascus International Airport” from Tuesday.

Qatar Airways is leading this restoration of international travel, announcing a return to the Syrian capital with three weekly flights, marking its first operations there in nearly 13 years. This decision reflects growing international engagement as Syria embarks on rehabilitating its air travel infrastructure post-conflict.

The announcement signals a crucial phase for the war-torn country, which has been grappling with the devastating impact of 13 years of civil war and stringent western sanctions aimed at Assad's regime. Aid flights have already begun, with humanitarian deliveries from Egypt and a recent launch of a Saudi air bridge to support the Syrian populace, a clear indication of reopening channels for humanitarian assistance amidst escalating recovery efforts.

Domestic flights resumed earlier last month, beginning with a flight from Damascus to Aleppo on December 18. Ashhad al-Salibi has reassured airlines of Syria's commitment to meeting international safety standards at its airports, aimed at inviting more airlines to resume travel to the country. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Hashim Ahelbarra, this initiative sends a message of normalization and stability in Syria, encouraging the diaspora to return home while attempting to revive the shattered economy.

Amidst a politically complex landscape, the resumption of international flights is anticipated to have significant political and economic implications for Syria's recovery and future relations with regional partners.

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