Makes a return to Syria after 13 years with uncertainty
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
Turkish Airlines has officially resumed flights to Damascus after a 13-year hiatus, marking a significant step in the airline's global expansion.
Effective from January 23, 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights to the Syrian capital: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Turkish Airlines' return to Damascus is a reflection of its mission to strengthen its connections in the Middle East. And the fact that the Syria hopefully can look at a future with more stability.
New administration in Syria
Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after anti-regime forces seized control of Damascus, bringing an end to the Baath Party's long-standing rule.
This shift in power followed a rapid two-week offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which captured key cities. The country is now under the leadership of a new administration headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Syria, New Zealand and USA CEO Bilal Ekşi emphasized the airline's commitment to boosting trade and cultural relations between Turkey and Syria.
–We believe that the return of Turkish Airlines will further reinforce these bonds and contribute to the region's potential.
In a statement on social media, Eksi shared a quote from the late Turkish poet and thinker Sezai Karakoc: «I have known Damascus since a thousand years ago. It is as close to me as my mother’s milk.»
The airline has also introduced new routes to Auckland, New Zealand, and Minneapolis, USA.
Global trend of returning
This move places Turkish Airlines among other airlines that have restarted operations in previously restricted or suspended locations. In early January 2025, Qatar Airways resumed three weekly flights to and from Damascus, signaling a renewed commitment to connecting Syria with the Gulf region.
And earlier in January 2025, Royal Jordanian Airlines operated a flight from Amman to Damascus, marking the first international commercial flight to Syria since the recent political changes.
These developments reflect a broader trend of international airlines reestablishing connections with Syria, facilitating travel and fostering economic ties in the post-conflict era. Similar efforts include the recent reinstatement of services by other major carriers, such as Air France to Tehran and Lufthansa to Kabul, reflecting a global trend of returning to markets affected by political instability or unrest.
This is Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines, established in 1933, has evolved into a global aviation leader. Here's an overview of its current operations:
Fleet size and composition As of January 2025, Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 476 aircraft, with an average age of 9.1 years.
Destinations The airline serves 340 destinations across 129 countries, including 53 domestic points.
Fleet breakdown
Airbus A350-900: 24 aircraft
Boeing 777-300ER: 34 aircraft
Airbus A330-300: 37 aircraft
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: 23 aircraft
Airbus A330-200: 12 aircraft
Airbus A321-200: 71 aircraft
Boeing 737-800: 94 aircraft
Airbus A320NEO: 14 aircraft
Airbus A321NEO: 68 aircraft
Boeing 737-900ER: 15 aircraft
Boeing 737 MAX 9: 5 aircraft
Airbus A320-200: 19 aircraft
Boeing 737 MAX 8: 30 aircraft
Airbus A319-100: 6 aircraft
Preparing for the future offensive
Turkish Airlines has according to Airbus placed significant orders for new aircraft to expand and modernize its fleet. In December 2023, the airline announced an order for 220 Airbus aircraft, comprising 150 A321 narrow-body jets and 70 A350 wide-body aircraft.
Additionally, in September 2023, Turkish Airlines ordered ten Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
However, in July 2024, the airline postponed a planned order for 225 Boeing aircraft due to ongoing negotiations over engine pricing.
