Damascus Airport Marks New Chapter with First Global Flight

Damascus International Airport marked a historic transformation when international flights resumed after decades of isolation following the Assad regime’s fall. The capital’s commercial aircraft operations signal the most important change in Syria’s aviation sector. Years of restricted air travel ended as Damascus reconnected with the global aviation network. This development opens a new chapter for Syrian air transportation while international carriers prepare their regular flight schedules. The return of flights means more than just air travel – it shows Syria’s gradual return to international commerce and connectivity.

Damascus Airport’s Historic Reopening

Syrian Airlines launched its first international flight from Damascus International Airport to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates at 11:45 am on Tuesday. The airport started with domestic operations when its first internal flight took off to Aleppo on December 18.

Several carriers have shown interest in resuming services. Qatar Airways will restore its Damascus route after 13 years with three weekly flights. On top of that, Royal Jordanian Airlines flew a test flight to check the airport’s technical conditions.

The airport now operates these main flights:

• Syrian Air flights to Dubai (fully booked until January 13)
• Qatar Airways‘ thrice-weekly service to Doha
• Regular flights to Sharjah with 145 passengers

The airport has been welcoming international aid planes and foreign diplomatic delegations. International partners are helping the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport rebuild both Damascus and Aleppo airports. “Today marks a new beginning,” Damascus airport’s director Anis Fallouh said.

Syria’s return to global aviation networks is a vital development. Airport officials confirm they have completed all safety checks and upgrades to ensure smooth operations.

Aviation Safety and Infrastructure

Syria’s aviation infrastructure needs major upgrades to meet international standards. A detailed assessment shows serious problems at Damascus and Aleppo airports, from outdated radar systems to aging runways.

The airports still use technology from the 1990s and lack basic security equipment like modern X-ray devices and detection systems. The original flights had to operate under visual conditions because they didn’t have proper navigation systems.

Several international partners have come forward to help with rebuilding efforts. Turkish technical teams have identified these crucial improvements:

• Installation of modern X-ray devices and detectors
• Repair of deteriorating runways
• Implementation of updated radar systems

The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission makes it clear that regular international flights can resume only after meeting strict aviation requirements. The rebuilding work focuses on meeting global safety standards and operational protocols, especially when dealing with international compliance.

Qatar has become a strong regional ally and provides technical help to restore Damascus airport’s operations. In spite of that, the airport struggles with international restrictions. Syrian Air’s situation shows these limitations clearly – sanctions on spare parts have left only two Airbus 320s operational.

Future Flight Operations

Damascus will soon welcome regular flight services from several international carriers. Flight operations remain limited now, but the airport expects rapid growth in the coming months. Airlines from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain now finalize preparations to resume direct air traffic with Damascus.

The airport’s expansion plans include:

• A third terminal construction that will boost annual passenger capacity to 16 million
• New international terminals with Russian investment support
• Better technical facilities to handle more carriers

Syria and Russia have agreed to operate at least two commercial flights weekly between Damascus and Moscow. Cham Wings Airlines now operates weekly Wednesday flights on the 2,509-kilometer route to Moscow Sheremetyevo.

Airport management works closely with international partners to meet global operational standards. Russian investors think over renovation projects, and budget carrier Flydubai evaluates the possibility of resuming services.

Qatar Airways will operate three weekly flights starting January 7, 2025. The airline called this a “significant step in reconnecting the region”. Industry experts suggest that more international carriers will join once the new government proves its ability to maintain security standards and create a safe travel environment.

Damascus International Airport is reconnecting Syria’s aviation connections with the world. Qatar Airways and Syrian Airlines now lead the return of international flights, which marks a most important step forward. This progress shows how well regional integration is working.

The airport needs upgraded safety features and a strong infrastructure. Technical teams are modernizing key systems. Mutually beneficial alliances with Russia and Qatar have boosted the airport’s capabilities. A new terminal project and expansion plans show the airport’s steadfast dedication to future growth.

More regional carriers now trust Damascus as their destination. Flight schedules to Sharjah, Moscow, and Doha keep growing. The airport’s changes mean much more than just bringing back air travel – they show Syria’s step-by-step return to global connections.

Damascus International Airport’s comeback shows what international teamwork can achieve. The next few months will be vital as carriers review new routes. The facility’s ongoing modernization paves the way for Syrian aviation’s new chapter.