Following an almost 13-year break, Qatar Airways has declared the return of direct flights to Damascus, Syria, therefore attesting to a major turning point in the reconnection of the region, The choice follows the recent toppling of Assad's administration, ending almost a decade of civil war in Syria.

Starting Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Airbus A330-202 of the airline will run three weekly flights, Qatar Airways underlined in a statement published on Thursday its dedication to guarantee operational excellence and safety in line with the pertinent authorities, As Syria starts to recover following years of war, this action represents the larger attempt to restore connectivity and develop regional ties.

Improving regional connectivity

Highlighting the need of re-establishing transportation connections to enable diplomatic, cultural, and commercial interactions, Qatar Airways praised this move as a "significant step in reconnecting the region," CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said, expressing his enthusiasm about starting activities in Damascus, a site of great historical and cultural value. Qatar's support of Syria's readmission into the regional community following a period of isolation brought on by the civil conflict is shown by the resuming of flights.

Once all required safety, security, and operational standards were satisfied, the decision was taken to resume flights, The airline claims to have been closely collaborating with Syrian authorities to guarantee Damascus International Airport is completely operational and satisfies international aviation standards.

Following the most recent political upheavals in Qatar, the nation has been the front in restoring ties with Syria, After Turkey, it was the second nation to reopen its embassy in Damascus, therefore indicating its readiness to interact with the newly appointed Syrian government. Shortly after Assad's administration collapsed on December 8, Qatar's embassy in the Syrian capital reopened, signifying a fresh phase in bilateral ties.

This phase complements Qatar's more general diplomatic agenda of endorsing peace and reconstruction in areas touched by conflict, Last month, a Qatari source informed AFP that Doha has provided support to the newly appointed Syrian government thereby enabling Damascus International Airport to be operational once more, This act emphasizes Qatar's will to help Syria recover and reintegrate into the international society.

Effects of the Resumption

The resumed service of Qatar Airways to Damascus should have a big influence on both nations, For Qatar, it stresses its responsibilities as a regional leader in developing more solid diplomatic ties and post-conflict reconstruction, for Syria, it signals a required first step in repairing its economy and re-establishing its worldwide contacts.

Reconnecting with Syria helps Qatar fund projects aimed to heal the divisions brought about by the years of war. The resumption of flights also has symbolic meaning since it signals a change towards regional collaboration and peace.