The airport in Syria’s capital Damascus on Wednesday resumed flight operations following the fall of the Baath regime.
A Syrian Airlines passenger plane took off from Damascus International Airport for Aleppo, marking the first flight since the fall of the Assad regime.
The airport, which ceased flights after the regime's collapse on Dec. 8, reopened after preparations were completed.
Aleppo International Airport Prepares to Resume OperationsSimultaneously, Aleppo International Airport, Syria's second-largest airport, has resumed preparations to restore operations for both commercial and passenger traffic. Airport staff have been repairing and securing the facility, as well as replacing equipment previously seized.
Both airports had issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) earlier this month to suspend flights temporarily. Damascus International Airport extended its closure until December 18, while Aleppo International Airport was set to reopen by the evening of December 17.
Damage and Restoration EffortsDamascus International Airport was rendered inoperative in November 2023 after an Israeli airstrike caused significant damage to its infrastructure, leading to a months-long suspension of operations. Restoration efforts have focused on repairing the extensive damage and ensuring the facility is fully operational again.
Over the past decade, Syria's major airports have faced severe disruptions due to the ongoing conflict since 2011, resulting in a loss of numerous international flight connections. According to the aviation tracking website "Planespotters," the Syrian Air fleet consists of 12 aircraft, including eight Airbus A320/20 models that primarily operated short-haul flights to destinations such as Baghdad, Dubai, Beirut, and Doha before the war.