Damascus, Syria — The first international commercial flight since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad touched down at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the embattled nation. A Qatar Airways flight arrived from Doha, signaling the potential for air travel normalization after years of conflict. This return to international aviation is not just about flights; it's emblematic of broader geopolitical shifts following the recent upheaval.
This momentous flight was preceded by Jordanian efforts to re-establish direct connections with Syria. A Jordanian state-run Petra news agency reported the departure of one of its national carrier airplanes on the same day as the Qatar Airways flight, just after the airport's first commercial takeoff to the United Arab Emirates. The head of Syria’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, Captain Haitham Misto, took to the skies aboard the inaugural Qatar flight to assess the airport’s conditions and verify its readiness for renewed international operations.
Concerning the political implications, since the lightning rebel offensive toppled Assad's regime, several countries—including Arab and Western nations—have begun to rehabilitate diplomatic relations with the new de facto authorities, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Just days prior to the flight, Syria’s new foreign minister met with his Qatari counterpart and the prime minister to discuss cooperative steps forward, highlighting the nature of new alliances taking shape.
Notably, this flight also represented the first involvement of Qatari airlines with Syria since 2010, when most international carriers withdrew services due to the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests which precipitated the civil war. The impact of these events echoes through the region, reflecting changing attitudes toward Syria’s interim government, even as it remains encumbered by international sanctions linked to the previous Assad administration.
Jordan’s involvement is also noteworthy. The Jordanians have signaled their support through the Royal Jordanian Airlines test flight, cultivating relationships and fostering regional stability. Captain Misto mentioned the need for cooperation between the two neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of airport evaluation as they seek to restore normalcy.
Despite these advancements, the road to full normalization is fraught with challenges. Western leaders have adopted cautious optimism, wary of the potential for HTS to implement hardline Islamist governance or trigger renewed conflict within Syria. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, has articulated the need for Europe to provide support without endorsing new extremist structures, reflecting broader international trepidations.
On the economic front, the Syrian administration has expressed its aspirations for lifted sanctions. Recently, Ahmed al-Shara, leader of the coalition which overthrew Assad, formally requested the easing of restrictions from the United States and its allies. This perspective was echoed by Syria’s new foreign minister during discussions with Jordan’s foreign minister, pushing for immediate removal of sanctions they argue negatively affect the civilian population.
These calls for lifting sanctions resonate against the backdrop of Jordan’s continuing battle to address drug smuggling issues, especially the trafficking of Captagon, which has emerged as a concern for both countries. Cooperation between Syria and Jordan may pave the way for joint efforts to tackle security and drug trafficking issues along their shared border. “We are ready to cooperate intensively on this matter,” assured al-Shibani, Syria’s foreign minister, reinforcing the urgency of this collaboration.
Tuesday's flight not only marks the reopening of Syria’s airspace but also indicates the potential for greater regional stability as the country and its new leadership strive to rebuild following years of devastating warfare. The arrival of international flights can catalyze economic recovery, offering hope to citizens who have long lived under the shadow of conflict.
Nonetheless, as the new government attempts to regain footing within the international community, the specter of past affiliations with terrorist organizations lingers. HTS, historically linked to Al Qaeda, remains on many countries’ watch lists due to its extremist ideologies, complicting foreign diplomatic initiatives.
With the potential for economic engagement and regional alliance-building firmly within their grasp, the leaders of the new Syrian government face the challenge of disassociative governance from the legacies of their predecessors. While progress is palpable with the releasement of air routes, the broader question of Syria's political future, military stability, and international relations remains more pressing than ever. The aspirations toward reestablishing unity and cooperation, both nationally and with neighboring countries, will be key determinants of Syria’s next chapter.
Even as they endeavor to reestablish normalcy, Syrian officials are well aware of the precarious balance needed moving forward. The question is: will international communities react favorably to these developments, or will caution prevail as Syria reinvents itself yet again?