Syria’s main airport in Damascus witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday as international flights resumed for the first time since Islamist-led rebels toppled President Bashar al-Assad last month. This marks a significant step toward rebuilding the nation and reconnecting it with the global community.
The first international commercial flight since December 8 departed for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates at 11:45 a.m. local time, according to airport officials. Shortly after, a Qatari commercial flight landed in Damascus at 1:00 p.m., the first from Qatar in nearly 13 years.
Passengers arriving from Qatar were greeted with cheers and chants, with many draped in Syria’s three-star independence flag, now adopted by the new authorities.
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“Today marks a new beginning,” said Anis Fallouh, the director of Damascus International Airport. “We have officially resumed outbound and inbound international flights.”
Syria’s state news agency, SANA, reported that the first Syrian Airlines flight after the airport’s reopening carried 145 passengers to Sharjah. The plane bore the three-star independence flag, symbolizing the new administration’s commitment to turning a new page in Syria’s history.
The reopening of the airport is part of a broader effort by Syria’s new government to reestablish international ties. Qatar Airways has resumed operations with three weekly flights scheduled to Damascus, while Jordan’s Royal Jordanian Airlines conducted a test flight to assess the technical condition of the airport.
“The flight is a message of support and solidarity,” said Haitham Misto, a Jordanian Civil Aviation official. Qatar has also offered assistance to help the new Syrian authorities resume airport operations, further strengthening regional cooperation.
Passengers at the airport expressed optimism and relief. Amal Jeroudi, a 45-year-old Syrian awaiting her flight to Dubai, said, “I was afraid the airport would remain closed, but now I am very happy. The staff, who used to be condescending during Assad’s rule, welcomed us with smiles today.”
Domestic flights and international aid operations had resumed earlier, but Tuesday marked the full reopening of Damascus International Airport for commercial flights. The first flight under the new administration took off on December 18, heading to Aleppo.
Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, has been making official visits to Arab capitals, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, signaling the new government’s intent to rebuild diplomatic relations and encourage international support.
The reopening of the airport and the resumption of international flights symbolize a major milestone in Syria’s recovery and its reintegration into the global community.
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