Flights have resumed at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday after being restored following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Syria’s state news agency SANA confirmed the departure of the first Syrian aircraft from the airport “after liberation” but did not give further details.
Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad regime, no flights have operated from Damascus airport since December 18. The head of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, Ashhad al-Salibi, said in a statement to Syria’s official news agency on Saturday that work to fully reconstruct the airports in Damascus and Aleppo was continuing with the help of international partners for both regional and international airlines.
Al-Salibi said:
“We are pleased to announce that international flights to and from Damascus International Airport will begin again as of January 7.”
He also announced today that international flights at Damascus Airport have resumed.
Qatar Airways was the first international airline to announce the resumption of flights. They will operate three flights per week to Damascus starting today.
Anis Falouh, Director of Damascus Airport, also announced today that Qatar Airways’ flight from Doha to Damascus will operate, adding:
“We hope to increase flights. We have finalised preparations at the airport within our capabilities to safely operate the flights and we are ready to meet the aircraft.”
Falouh noted that there are currently 140-150 passengers at the airport, adding that many companies want to sign new agreements to use the airport.
