Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Damascus after Syrian regime change

One passenger, Ahmet Kiraz, shared his joy at returning after 12 years: "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."

Another passenger looked forward to seeing her homeland for the first time since leaving as a child: "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 inaugural flight, Turkish Airlines Flight #846, was operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft with nearly 350 passengers onboard. Round-trip fares started at $300.

Turkish Airlines plans thrice-weekly flights between Istanbul and Damascus on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The outbound flight departs Istanbul at 9:00 local time and arrives in Damascus at 11:00. After a brief turnaround, it returns to Istanbul by 15:10.

The airline uses both Boeing 777-300 and Airbus A330-200 aircraft on this route. With its hub in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines connects Syria with its extensive global network, reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.