By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Damascus International Airport resumed full international operations on January 7th, with the arrival of a Qatar Airways flight, marking the first such flight in nearly 13 years. A Syrian Airlines flight to the UAE also departed, signifying a return to international commercial travel after a month-long closure following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. This event coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts by Syria’s new authorities to re-engage with the international community and rebuild the war-torn nation. The airport’s reopening, following damage and theft, is seen as a symbol of hope and a new beginning.
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Syria welcomes its first international flight after the Assad overthrow, a momentous occasion signaling a potential turning point in the nation’s long and arduous journey toward stability. The arrival of a Qatari Airways plane in Damascus marked the first commercial flight from the Gulf country to Syria in nearly thirteen years, a powerful symbol of renewed international engagement. This arrival wasn’t solely symbolic; it followed closely on the heels of the Damascus International Airport’s first outbound flight to the United Arab Emirates, indicating a growing resumption of normal air travel. This suggests not only an easing of tensions, but also a potential increase in economic activity.
While some sources claim this is the first international flight since the conflict, others accurately point out that Qatar has offered flights through Syrian Airlines since 2023. However, this Qatari Airways flight represents the first time a major international carrier has directly serviced Syria in over a decade, excluding Iranian and Iraqi airlines. This is significant progress, inspiring hope for a brighter future for the Syrian people. Many observers are expressing cautious optimism, recognizing this as a major step towards a more peaceful and prosperous Syria, a country steeped in centuries of rich history, currently inaccessible to many due to ongoing instability.
The renewed connectivity offered by international flights represents more than just convenience; it holds the promise of revitalizing Syria’s tourism sector and boosting its economy. This positive development isn’t without its complexities, however. The cautious optimism surrounding this event stems from a recognition that complete stability remains elusive. A significant portion of the country remains outside government control, under the authority of US-backed Kurdish militants, a reminder of the ongoing political challenges. This reality underscores the fragility of the situation and the need for continued vigilance. It isn’t sufficient to simply declare peace; substantial progress must be made on multiple fronts to ensure lasting peace.
The idea of Damascus and Aleppo becoming significant transit hubs is alluring. Their geographical positions could potentially lessen reliance on transit airports such as Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai. This potential, though promising, hinges entirely on the sustained stability of Syria and the long-term investment that such stability would attract. The risk, of course, is investing heavily only to see another backslide into conflict, rendering the investment futile. It’s a gamble, but one that could yield significant rewards if Syria maintains its course toward peace.
Yet, there’s reason for measured optimism. After decades of devastating war, the desire for a different future is palpable. Many believe the Syrian people are genuinely yearning for peace and stability, providing a strong foundation for progress. The potential alignment of interests between Syria and regional powers like Europe, Turkey, and Israel, despite their own varied agendas, could further bolster this movement towards peace. For all parties involved, a stable, Western-leaning Syria is seen as potentially beneficial. “Stable” in this context, however, is clearly defined: a situation where civilian aircraft are no longer routinely shot down and where the systematic torture and murder of hundreds of thousands of people is a thing of the past.
The flight itself is undeniably a powerful symbol. But its significance extends beyond symbolism. It is a concrete step towards reintegration into the global community and a testament to the resilience of the Syrian people. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging; maintaining stability, rebuilding trust, and fostering reconciliation will require sustained effort and cooperation from both the Syrian government and the international community. The future of Syria remains uncertain, yet this first international flight offers a glimmer of hope, a sign that perhaps, finally, the long and painful journey toward lasting peace has begun.