Turkish Airlines will resume flights to Syria for the first time in 13 years, with three weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus starting on Thursday.

The announcement was made by Bilal Eksi, CEO of Türkiye’s national carrier, who shared the news on the social media platform X, stating, “We are returning to Damascus.”

The move marks a significant step in reconnecting Syria with international air travel after years of conflict. Royal Jordanian is set to follow, resuming flights from Amman to Damascus on January 31, 2025, with plans to increase to daily operations by April.

Qatar Airways became the first major international airline to restart flights to Syria on January 7, 2025, offering three weekly direct flights between Doha and Damascus. On the same day, Syrian Air resumed flights to Sharjah in the UAE.

The resumption of flights has encouraged tour companies to explore the potential for reviving tourism in Syria. Once a popular destination attracting nearly 11 million visitors in 2010, the country boasts a rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage.

While the security situation in Syria remains uncertain, many hope the revival of tourism can support the economy and aid in rebuilding the domestic hospitality industry. However, it remains to be seen whether tour operations will fully materialize in the near future. (ILKHA)