The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has announced that Aleppo International Airport will resume operations after a nearly three-month hiatus. According to the statement, the airport has been made ready for both domestic and international flights as of Tuesday, 18 March.
Official Statement from Syrian Authorities
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, all technical and administrative preparations at Aleppo International Airport have been completed. The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has invited all airlines to operate flights to and from Aleppo Airport. As a result, the airport will once again serve both local and international flights.
Turkish Airlines’ Aleppo Flights in Focus
This development has turned attention towards Turkish Airlines. As may be recalled, Turkish Airlines resumed its flights to Damascus on 23 January 2025. Now, the aviation sector is eagerly anticipating whether the airline will make preparations for flights to Aleppo. The airport’s reopening has raised questions about whether Turkish Airlines will add Aleppo as a new destination to its network.
Why Was Aleppo Airport Closed?
In November last year, Aleppo International Airport was shut down by the Assad regime, and all flights were cancelled. This decision coincided with opposition groups gaining control over the area where the airport is located.
A New Era in Syria
Significant changes have taken place in Syria since Ahmed Shara was declared interim president in January 2025. The new administration has taken radical steps, including the abolition of the constitution, the disbanding of armed groups, the dissolution of security forces, and the closure of the Ba’ath Party. Additionally, a constitutional declaration published last Thursday outlined that Syria’s transitional period will last for five years. During this time, the country aims to rebuild its political structure and draft a permanent constitution.
Awaiting an Official Statement from Turkish Airlines
Following the decision to reopen Aleppo International Airport, all eyes are now on Turkish Airlines. No official statement has yet been made regarding flights to Aleppo. However, industry sources suggest that after the resumption of Damascus flights, Aleppo may also be added to Turkish Airlines’ flight network.
