After nearly a month of suspended operations, Damascus International Airport is set to resume international flights on January 7. This significant development marks a major milestone in Syria’s ongoing recovery process, as the country works towards rebuilding infrastructure and re-establishing connections with the global community. The suspension was caused by vandalism and looting incidents following the rebels ousting President Bashar Assad last month. However, with the aid of international partners, Damascus Airport is now on track to welcome back global airlines.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why Damascus Airport is reopening, the challenges it has faced, and the potential impact this reopening will have on Syria’s aviation industry and its diplomatic relations.
What Happened at Damascus Airport?
In early December, Damascus International Airport was forced to halt operations after violent acts of vandalism and looting took place in the wake of political instability in Syria. The disruption followed the ousting of President Bashar Assad by rebel forces, leading to severe damage at the airport.
However, despite the setbacks, domestic flights resumed soon after the incidents, and the airport has been functioning as a hub for international aid and foreign delegations. In late December, prominent leaders such as German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Syria’s new de facto leadership.
Resumption of International Flights
On January 7, Damascus International Airport will officially reopen to international flights. Ashhad al-Salibi, the head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, confirmed that the airport is now ready to handle flights to and from global destinations.
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Qatar Airways is one of the first airlines to announce the resumption of services, with three weekly flights to Damascus starting from Tuesday, January 7. This marks a significant milestone for Syria as it signals the return of international airlines after a nearly 13-year hiatus.
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International Support: Qatar has played a key role in helping Syria’s aviation authorities restore Damascus Airport to full operational capacity. Qatari officials have pledged ongoing support, ensuring that the airport’s facilities meet the required standards for receiving flights from around the world.
Rebuilding the Airport: Syria’s Efforts and International Cooperation
The rebuilding process of Damascus International Airport is part of Syria’s broader reconstruction efforts following the civil war and the challenges of rebuilding its infrastructure.
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Damaged Facilities: The airport suffered significant damage during the conflict, with terminals and other facilities affected by looting and vandalism.
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Rehabilitation Efforts: In response, Syria has partnered with international bodies to repair and rehabilitate the damaged areas of the airport. The General Authority of Civil Aviation has been working with global partners to ensure that the airport is safe and equipped to handle international air traffic.
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International Airlines’ Participation: Airlines from across the world are gradually re-entering the Syrian market, with Qatar Airways leading the way by reinstating direct flights. Other airlines are likely to follow suit, depending on the political situation and security assessments.
What Does This Mean for Syria’s Economy?
The reopening of Damascus International Airport and the resumption of international flights have profound implications for Syria’s economy and its integration into the global community:
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Tourism and Trade: With direct international flights resuming, Syria can boost its tourism industry by attracting visitors from around the world. International trade will also benefit, as businesses can once again engage in efficient transport of goods.
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Diplomatic Significance: The reopening of the airport is symbolic of Syria’s slow yet steady return to the international fold. Foreign officials visiting the country shows that Syria is beginning to re-establish diplomatic ties, even amid ongoing challenges.
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Foreign Investment: Syria’s new de facto leaders have also been working to attract foreign investments to rebuild the country’s war-torn infrastructure. Reopened airports can serve as a gateway for greater investments in areas like construction, technology, and telecommunications.
What to Expect from the Resumption of Flights
As Damascus International Airport resumes full operations on January 7, several key developments can be expected:
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Increased Air Traffic: Initially, airlines like Qatar Airways will offer a limited number of flights per week, but this will likely increase as security improves and more airlines join the fray.
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Improved Facilities: With international support, the airport’s infrastructure will continue to improve, offering passengers a more comfortable and secure travel experience.
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Strengthened Relations with Arab Countries: The return of airlines like Qatar Airways signals the strengthening of Syria’s relations with Arab nations, particularly the Gulf States.
Syria’s Future in the Aviation Industry
While the reopening of Damascus International Airport is a promising development, Syria still faces significant challenges in rebuilding its aviation industry. However, this marks a positive step forward in the country’s efforts to re-establish itself as a functioning state within the international community.
Key Challenges Moving Forward:
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Political Instability: Continued political instability in Syria could hinder the growth of its aviation industry and limit the number of international airlines willing to resume services.
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Security Concerns: Ongoing concerns over safety and security could affect both passenger demand and airline willingness to re-enter the market.
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Infrastructure Needs: Further improvements to airports and related infrastructure are essential to support the growing number of international flights.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Damascus
- Damascus International Airport News
- Rebuilding Syria’s Infrastructure
- Syria’s Civil War and Its Economic Impact
- Qatar’s Role in Syria’s Reconstruction
Photo credit: A News
