Resumption of Commercial Flights Between Turkey and Syria After 13 Years
Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed on Thursday after 13 years, marked by a celebratory Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Passengers expressed their joy and nostalgia as they returned to Syria, reflecting on the political changes and hope for a better future. Turkey aims to invest in Syria’s recovery, marking a new diplomatic chapter between the two nations.
Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria have resumed after a hiatus of 13 years, with the inaugural Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus taking off on Thursday. Syrian families celebrated energetically at the airport, singing national songs and cheering as they prepared to board flight TK0846. Inside the aircraft, passengers expressed their joy and patriotism, chanting the uprising anthem, “Hold your head up high, you are a free Syrian.” Amidst the excitement, some passengers displayed emotional reactions, illustrating the depth of their connections to their homeland.
Fuad Abdulhalid, a resident of Turkey for the past 12 years, articulated his feelings of nostalgia and happiness, saying, “I missed Syria and am happy to fly back.” Another passenger, Nail Beyazid, who is returning to assess his former life after fleeing Syria, included, “We are very happy that (Syria) was liberated, and the situation is very good,” reflecting optimism about his homeland’s conditions post-conflict.
The restoration of commercial flights follows significant political shifts in Syria, particularly after the recent rebel offensive that led to the ousting of President Bashar Assad. Consequently, various Arab and Western nations, which had severed ties with the Syrian government, have begun to engage diplomatically with the new authorities led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Earlier this month, a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight marked the first international commercial flight to Damascus since the regime change.
As a prominent ally of the emerging Syrian authorities, Turkey is expressing intentions to invest in Syria’s economy, targeting essential sectors such as electricity and energy. Turkish Airlines’ CEO Bilal Eksi confirmed plans for three weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus, following a diplomatic meeting involving Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
This article covers the significant development of commercial flights resuming between Turkey and Syria after a long break of 13 years, marking a change in the diplomatic and commercial dynamics between the two nations. The resumption is not only symbolic, reflecting improved relations post-conflict in Syria, but also offers opportunities for the Syrian diaspora. The Turkish government’s engagement with the new Syrian authorities highlights a strategic partnership aimed at reconstruction and investment in the region. The broader context includes the shift in the political landscape in Syria after the uprising against President Bashar Assad, which has led to an influx of international interest and investment in the country. Turkey’s proactive approach aims to support Syria’s recovery while enhancing bilateral ties.
In summary, the resumption of commercial flights between Turkey and Syria symbolizes a renewed relationship following years of conflict. Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed happiness and nostalgia about their return journey. With Turkey looking to bolster its investments in Syria, the flights represent a step towards normalizing ties and promoting economic recovery in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
