Turkish Airlines Returns to Syria Following Regime Change
Geopolitical changes play a crucial role in shaping airline routes. Global carriers like Turkish Airlines must carefully monitor security, political stability, and legal regulations before resuming operations in any destination. When an airline pulls out due to safety concerns, it often leaves a significant gap in air service. That’s why the return of Turkish Airlines to Damascus, Syria, after a 13-year hiatus, is a major milestone.
Following a regime change in Syria, Turkish Airlines has resumed nonstop flights between Istanbul and Damascus, reconnecting the two nations. This service is expected to benefit over 4 million Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey during the country’s civil war, providing them with an easier way to visit home.
Turkey’s Role in Syria and the Airline’s Quick Return
The rapid resumption of flights should come as no surprise, given Turkey’s involvement in Syria’s conflict. The Turkish government played a key role in supporting the forces that removed Bashar al-Assad from power in December 2024. Following the regime change, Turkey was the first country to reopen its embassy in Damascus and has actively advocated for lifting economic sanctions to support Syria’s recovery.
This geopolitical shift has paved the way for Turkish Airlines to restart flights between Istanbul and Damascus, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.
A 13-Year Hiatus Ends with an Emotional First Flight
Turkish Airlines previously served Damascus until 2011, but operations were suspended when the Syrian Civil War erupted. Since then, many Syrians have sought refuge in Turkey, making the first flight back to Damascus an emotional journey for many passengers.
According to The Daily Sabah, passengers at Istanbul Airport expressed excitement, waving Syrian flags, singing, and celebrating their long-awaited return. One passenger, Ahmet Kiraz, who had been working and studying in Turkey for 12 years, shared his emotions:
“We thought we would never go back. But when the opportunity came, we were so happy. I’m returning to my country on the first flight; it feels like a dream.”
For younger Syrians, this flight was particularly special. Some had never seen their home country before. One teenager, who left Syria as a two-year-old, shared her anticipation:
“I’ve never seen my country. I’m so excited to see it for the first time. We will be going from Damascus to Aleppo. I’ll see my grandmother there.”
The first Turkish Airlines flight to Damascus, TK 846, was operated using a Boeing 777, a large aircraft capable of carrying almost 350 passengers. Ticket prices for the inaugural round-trip journey reportedly started at $300.
Turkish Airlines’ Damascus Flight Schedule
Turkish Airlines officially resumed flights to Damascus on January 23, 2025. The airline will operate the route three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Flight Schedule Details:
- Outbound Flight (TK 846):
- Departs Istanbul International Airport at 9:00 AM
- Arrives in Damascus at 11:00 AM
- Flight duration: 2 hours
- Return Flight (TK 847):
- Departs Damascus at 1:00 PM
- Arrives in Istanbul at 3:10 PM
- Flight duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Turkish Airlines is deploying a mix of Boeing 777-300 and Airbus A330-200 for the Damascus route. While both are widebody aircraft, the A330 has a smaller seating capacity.
Istanbul: A Key Transit Hub for Syrians
With Istanbul serving as a major global aviation hub, Turkish Airlines’ renewed service to Damascus will significantly improve connectivity for Syrians traveling worldwide. Passengers can transit through Istanbul to reach destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa via Turkish Airlines’ vast network.
This route highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, reflecting how airlines continuously reassess and adapt their market strategies. Turkish Airlines’ decision to return to Syria could influence other international carriers to reconsider their operations in the region.
The resumption of Turkish Airlines’ flights to Damascus marks an important moment in both aviation and geopolitics. For many Syrians, this flight represents a long-awaited chance to reconnect with their homeland after more than a decade. Turkey’s active role in Syria’s political transition has enabled this swift return of air services, strengthening ties between the two nations.
As economic recovery and stability return to Syria, this flight route could serve as a gateway for future investments, tourism, and rebuilding efforts. Whether for reunion, business, or travel, the Istanbul-Damascus connection is more than just a route—it’s a symbol of hope, recovery, and new beginnings.
