After over a decade, Turkish Airlines will resume flights to SYRIA

In a significant development for both Turkish Airlines and the international aviation industry, the airline has announced that it will resume flights to Syria after a hiatus of more than a decade. This move marks a notable shift in the relationship between Turkey and Syria and signals a new phase in the region’s evolving political and economic dynamics. Turkish Airlines’ decision to re-establish direct air travel between Istanbul and Damascus is bound to attract attention and raise questions about the broader implications of this change for both countries, the region, and the international community. Let’s explore the background of this development and what it means for the future of travel and diplomacy in the region.

Background on the Suspension of Flights to Syria

The decision by Turkish Airlines to suspend its flights to Syria in 2012 was a result of the civil war that broke out in Syria. As the conflict escalated, Turkey, along with other Western countries, strongly criticized the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad. In response to the violence and instability in Syria, Turkey imposed sanctions, severed diplomatic ties, and ceased all air travel to the country. The suspension of flights was one of many measures taken as part of a broader strategy to isolate the Assad regime.

The conflict in Syria, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, further complicated the situation. The war not only destroyed much of Syria’s infrastructure, but it also created a volatile environment for international travel and commerce. As a result, Turkish Airlines, like most airlines worldwide, chose to halt operations to Syria, prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew.

Over the years, as Syria’s civil war continued, international air traffic to the country remained virtually non-existent. However, with recent shifts in both Syria’s domestic politics and its foreign relations, the prospects for re-establishing air travel between Turkey and Syria have been brought into focus once again.

The Resumption of Flights and its Significance

Turkish Airlines’ decision to resume flights to Syria represents a dramatic change in both the airline’s operations and the broader political landscape of the region. After years of political tension between Turkey and Syria, there have been signs of thawing relations in recent years. Turkey, once a vocal critic of President Assad, has gradually shifted its stance toward more engagement with the Syrian government.

Several factors have contributed to this shift. First and foremost, the dynamics of the Syrian civil war have changed. While Assad’s regime has remained in power, much of the violence has subsided in certain regions, especially in the capital, Damascus. The war is far from over, but the relative stabilization of certain areas has made air travel and tourism more feasible.

Additionally, Turkey has increasingly sought to strengthen its geopolitical position in the region. By resuming flights to Syria, Turkish Airlines can tap into a market that has been largely cut off from international air travel. With the resumption of these flights, Turkey is signaling its readiness to take a more active role in Syria’s reconstruction and recovery, particularly as it relates to economic ties, trade, and tourism.

Political Implications of the Resumption of Flights

The resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Syria is likely to have significant political ramifications. Turkey’s decision to re-establish travel links with Syria is seen as a reflection of the evolving relationship between the two nations. Over the past few years, both governments have taken steps toward reconciliation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has indicated a willingness to engage with Assad, and high-level meetings between Turkish and Syrian officials have occurred. The restoration of diplomatic and economic ties between Turkey and Syria is likely to follow the re-establishment of air links.

This diplomatic shift may have broader implications for Turkey’s relations with other countries in the region, particularly those that have been critical of the Assad regime, such as the United States and the European Union. Turkey’s engagement with Syria could complicate its relationships with these nations, especially if they perceive it as an endorsement of the Assad government’s actions during the civil war.

Furthermore, the resumption of flights could help Turkey’s economy by promoting tourism and trade with Syria, especially given the large Syrian diaspora living in Turkey. Many Syrian refugees have sought refuge in Turkey, and the restoration of direct air travel could facilitate family reunifications, business exchanges, and cultural exchanges.

Impact on Syrian Citizens and the Region

For Syrian citizens, the resumption of flights could be a momentous occasion. With many Syrians living abroad due to the war, the return of direct flights from Turkey to Syria will make it easier for families to reunite and for individuals to visit their home country. This development could also encourage tourists to return to Syria, which has been significantly impacted by the loss of international visitors due to the conflict.

While the war has devastated much of the country, Syria still boasts historical sites, including ancient cities like Palmyra and Damascus, that could attract visitors once again. The re-opening of air travel could be seen as a sign of hope for the country’s eventual reconstruction and recovery.

For the broader region, the resumption of flights might be seen as a step toward regional stability. Turkey’s role as a key player in the Middle East, combined with Syria’s desire for post-conflict recovery, could set the stage for future collaboration in various areas, from infrastructure projects to trade agreements.

The Role of Turkish Airlines in Regional Diplomacy

Turkish Airlines, a major player in the aviation industry and an important arm of Turkey’s soft power, has the potential to influence regional diplomacy through its operations. The airline’s decision to resume flights to Syria underscores the significance of Turkey’s economic and diplomatic goals. By re-establishing air links, Turkish Airlines is contributing to Turkey’s broader foreign policy objectives of expanding its influence in the Middle East and North Africa.

In addition to its direct impact on Turkey-Syria relations, the airline’s flights could help foster better relationships between other countries in the region. Turkish Airlines has long been a symbol of Turkey’s global reach, and its return to Syria may pave the way for similar moves by other international airlines, signaling greater stability and normalization in the region.

In Conclusion

The decision by Turkish Airlines to resume flights to Syria after more than a decade marks a significant moment in both the airline’s history and the geopolitics of the Middle East. It highlights the evolving dynamics of Turkish-Syrian relations and the broader regional changes following the Syrian civil war.

While the move comes amid a backdrop of political and diplomatic shifts, it also provides a glimmer of hope for the normalization of relations in a region that has been deeply affected by conflict. As both countries work toward rebuilding their ties, the resumption of flights could be just the beginning of a new chapter in Turkey and Syria’s diplomatic and economic engagement.