The Damascus International Airport marked a pivotal moment in Syria’s history on Tuesday as it welcomed its first international commercial flights since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad. This development symbolizes Syria’s reentry into global diplomacy and commerce after over a decade of war and political isolation.
Qatar Airways Lands in Damascus
A Qatar Airways flight from Doha became the first to land at Damascus International Airport, greeted with emotional reunions among passengers and their families. Many passengers were Syrian expatriates returning for the first time in years. Osama Musalama, a Syrian-American, expressed his disbelief and gratitude at being able to visit his homeland after more than a decade.
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The flight’s arrival was made possible by extensive rehabilitation efforts supported by Qatar, whose involvement highlights its shift from being an opponent of Assad’s regime to engaging with Syria’s new leadership. According to Ashad al-Suleibi, head of Syria’s Air Transport Authority, the airport had sustained significant damage from years of neglect and Israeli airstrikes, which targeted the area during the civil war.
Jordan Joins the Revival
Alongside Qatar, Jordan is also working to restore air travel links with Syria. A Royal Jordanian Airlines test flight landed in Damascus, carrying officials and specialists to evaluate the airport’s technical condition. Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission head, Capt. Haitham Misto, highlighted the importance of resuming regular flights to foster regional cooperation and economic ties.
The Fall of Assad and Rise of New Leadership
These flights are among the most tangible outcomes of the sweeping changes in Syria following Assad’s dramatic fall a month ago during a lightning rebel offensive. The new de facto government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has begun forging diplomatic and economic relations with regional and Western powers.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani has been at the forefront of this effort, traveling to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to discuss reconstruction funding and regional partnerships. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi expressed his country’s support for Syria’s reconstruction and promised immediate assistance in providing electricity and gas.
Crackdown on the Captagon Trade
One of the significant shifts under the new leadership is a crackdown on the illicit Captagon amphetamine trade, which had flourished under Assad’s rule. Factories involved in the trade, including those at Damascus’s Mezzeh air base and Latakia, have been dismantled. Al-Shibani pledged that this era of drug smuggling, which strained relations with Jordan and Gulf states, is over.
A Nation Rebuilding
Syria remains in a dire economic crisis, exacerbated by years of war and stringent Western sanctions. Most Syrians receive only a few hours of electricity per day, and the country’s aviation sector has been crippled. SyrianAir’s fleet, once comprising 18 aircraft, has dwindled to just two, largely due to sanctions that made acquiring spare parts impossible.
Pilots and staff, many of whom returned to work after years of dormancy, expressed hope that international sanctions might be eased under the new government. Ali Reda, a SyrianAir pilot, described the bullet holes in the airport’s infrastructure as symbolic of the larger struggle Syria endured. He also hoped for the resumption of flights to Europe, recalling fond memories of layovers in cities like Manchester.
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As the country grapples with its reconstruction, the interim government is preparing for a “national dialogue conference” to chart Syria’s future. According to al-Shibani, an inclusive preparatory committee representing all segments of Syrian society is being formed to ensure widespread participation in this effort.