Damascus Airport Reopens Following Assad’s Overthrow

On Wednesday, December 17, 2024, Damascus Airport (DAM) in Syria officially resumed flight operations following a dramatic political shift in the country. The reopening comes after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad on December 7, 2024. Assad fled Syria over the weekend of December 7 and 8 after militia forces tied to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic movement led a successful uprising that toppled his regime.

Syrian Airlines Halts Operations Amid Turmoil

In the immediate aftermath of Assad’s departure, Syrian Airlines, the national flag carrier, took swift action by removing all images of the former president from its official platforms. The airline also temporarily suspended all commercial operations, citing the need to evaluate the security situation. The closure of Syrian airspace further complicated operations. Despite these challenges, a representative from Syrian Airlines hinted at a potential resumption of services, including international flights to destinations such as Moscow, as early as December 18, 2024.

Test Flight Marks Beginning of Operations

On December 17, a significant milestone was achieved when one of Syrian Airlines’ Airbus A320 aircraft embarked on a domestic test flight to Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The flight, carrying 43 domestic and foreign journalists, served as a preparatory step toward fully restoring commercial operations. “We’ve just reopened,” stated Ali Rifai, a public relations official for the newly formed caretaker transitional government. Rifai expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the government and returning airport staff, emphasizing that operations were proceeding smoothly.

Flights to International Destinations Resume

As of December 18, 2024, Damascus Airport’s flight schedule, visible on Flightradar24, shows departures to several international destinations, including Cairo, Moscow, and Karachi. Both of Syria’s main commercial airlines, Syrian Airlines and Cham Wings, are actively working toward a comprehensive resumption of services in the coming weeks.

Syrian Airlines’ Struggles Under Sanctions

Syrian Airlines, commonly referred to as Syrianair, has long faced operational difficulties due to U.S. sanctions imposed since the early 1980s. These sanctions have severely restricted the carrier’s ability to procure new aircraft and spare parts, leading to a diminished route network. Currently, the airline’s fleet comprises eight Airbus A320s, two A340-300s, two Tupolev Tu-134Bs, and two Ilyushin Il-76 cargo planes. However, only a fraction of this fleet remains operational due to maintenance challenges. Before Assad’s ousting, Syrian Airlines operated limited routes to five destinations across three countries.

Cham Wings Airlines’ Position

Cham Wings Airlines, Syria’s only other mainline carrier, operates a smaller fleet of five Airbus A320s. The airline has maintained service on two routes connecting three destinations. Like Syrian Airlines, Cham Wings is gearing up to expand its operations following the recent political changes.

A Symbolic Change to the National Flag

In a symbolic move reflecting the new political era, Syrian Airlines has begun repainting its fleet. On December 14, 2024, social media posts showed workers repainting the national flag on the Airbus A320 aircraft registered as YK-AKG. The former Assad-era flag, characterized by two green stars, has been replaced with the ‘Independence Flag,’ which features three red stars.

Assad’s Exile in Russia

Following the collapse of his regime, Bashar al-Assad, accompanied by his wife, children, and several former officials, sought political asylum in Russia. President Vladimir Putin granted asylum to Assad and his entourage, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing geopolitical narrative.

The reopening of Damascus Airport signals a new beginning for Syria’s aviation sector as the country navigates a period of profound political transformation.

• Featured image by Dale Coleman

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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