Jordan has taken significant steps to re-establish ties with Syria as Royal Jordanian Airlines resumes commercial flights to Damascus after 13 years of suspension. The airline's inaugural flight from Amman arrived at Damascus International Airport on February 1, 2025, marking a momentous occasion for both nations.
The first passengers aboard included Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, and Razan al-Jabarat, Executive Director of Corporate Communications. This development follows the ousting of long-time Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government collapsed during a swift offensive by rebel forces on December 8, 2024. The airline is set to introduce daily flights to Damascus starting April 2025, aimed at bolstering trade relations and aiding Syria's post-war reconstruction efforts.
This restoration of flights signifies not just the revival of direct air travel, but also Jordan's shifting stance on the Syrian conflict. For years, the complexity of the war had led Jordan to suspend its flights to both Damascus and Aleppo since 2012, amid fears over violence spilling over its borders.
With Assad's removal, Jordan has expressed its commitment to support Syria's rebuilding efforts. During discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized the importance of creating favorable conditions for Syrian refugees to return home. Reports indicate approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees currently reside in Jordan, with about 730,000 registered with the UN.
Jordanian King Abdullah II congratulated Ahmed al-Sharaa on his recent appointment as the new interim president of Syria, emphasizing Jordan's dedication to fostering stability within the neighboring country. Al-Sharaa, previously associated with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), aims to reintegrate Syria back to the international diplomatic community.
Regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia's King Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also extended their congratulations to al-Sharaa, signaling a collective intent among Arab states to engage positively with the new Syrian leadership. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, visited Damascus to demonstrate Riyadh's renewed interest and commitment to Syria's recovery process.
While the Arab world appears to welcome this shift, reactions from former Assad allies like Iran and Russia have been muted. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran backs any government chosen by the Syrian people but did not reference al-Sharaa by name. Meanwhile, Russia, primarily focused on its military interests within Syria, has remained centered on discussions about the future of its naval and air bases.
The future remains uncertain, with reports indicating Syria may even seek the extradition of Assad from Russia, though this has not been publicly confirmed by the Kremlin. Commenting on the diplomatic shifts, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to provide details.
This dramatic political upheaval has prompted regional and international actors to reassess their strategies. Jordan's proactive stance, including the resumption of flights and efforts to support Syrian reconstruction, reflects broader regional dynamics as the Arab world seeks to redefine its relationship with Syria.
Concluding, the recent developments signify more than just economic ties; they mark the return of Syria to the fold of Arab diplomacy after years of isolation. Aviators take to the skies once again, bringing with them not just passengers, but fresh hopes for cooperation and revival among neighbors.