Syria’s main airport, Damascus International Airport, has handled its first international flights since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad last month. The move is part of efforts by the new leaders to restore normalcy in the war-torn country.
Qatar Airways operated a direct flight from Doha, while Jordan’s national carrier made its first trip to Damascus in 13 years as a “message of support”. Another flight affiliated with Syria’s national carrier took off for the United Arab Emirates carrying 145 passengers.
Syria’s new Islamist leaders have pledged to draft an inclusive constitution and convene a committee. They are urging civil servants to return to work, saying Syria poses no threat to its neighbors.
However, international sanctions imposed during al-Assad’s regime remain in place. Western leaders have expressed caution, fearing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham could impose Islamist rule or generate domestic turmoil. Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock stated Europe will support but not patronize new Islamist structures.
The Biden administration has lifted some restrictions on humanitarian aid, while keeping strict sanctions in place. Syria’s new foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani welcomed the decision and called for remaining sanctions to be lifted immediately.
Syria and Jordan agreed to establish a joint commission to tackle security issues along their shared border. The new Syrian government has pledged to end captagon smuggling, which analysts say generated immense profits for senior officials during al-Assad’s rule.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/world/middleeast/syria-airport-damascus-international-flights.html