Turkish Airlines has resumed direct flights between Istanbul Airport and Aleppo for the first time in more than a decade, marking a significant milestone in Syria’s return to international air travel following major political changes in the country.

The inaugural service on Friday reconnects Syria’s second-largest city to the global flight network, 13 years after the route was suspended in 2012 due to the outbreak of the civil war.

Aleppo, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, traditional Arab poetry, and long-standing commercial links, had been considered unsafe for years. However, recent political shifts have paved the way for the resumption of international connections.

Political Change Paves Way for Air Links

The move follows the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad last year and the installation of President Ahmad al-Sharaa in January. The change in leadership has been accompanied by a broader shift in the political climate, which Ankara has described as creating new opportunities for trade and tourism.

Tickets for the Istanbul–Aleppo route are being sold from $299 (£226) return, with Turkish Airlines planning to operate daily flights.

Not the First Step in Restoring Air Travel

The Aleppo relaunch comes after other developments in air travel between Turkey and Syria earlier this year. On 23 January, Turkish Airlines operated its first flight from Istanbul to Damascus in over a decade, carrying 349 passengers—many of them Syrians returning home after years abroad.

AJet, the budget airline owned by Turkish Airlines, also restarted services to Damascus in June, while Emirates resumed flights to Damascus International Airport in April. Qatar Airways has announced plans to begin flights to Aleppo from Doha next month.

Boost for Trade and Tourism

Aviation analysts say the return of international carriers to Syria will provide a boost to trade, tourism, and economic recovery. Turkish Airlines, recently named Europe’s best airline at the World Airline Awards, says it sees the Aleppo route as an important step in strengthening ties between the two countries.

The airline has also announced plans to expand operations in other markets, with flights from Istanbul to London Stansted set to begin on 18 March 2026, operating 14 services per week. (ILKHA)