Aleppo International Airport is set to reopen for air traffic on March 18, nearly three months after it was forced to shut down due to escalating conflict in Syria.
The General Civil Aviation Authority of Syria announced that technical and administrative preparations have been completed, allowing both domestic and international flights to resume.
The airport’s closure in late November 2024 came amid intense fighting as opposition forces seized control of the area. The shutdown was part of broader upheaval that culminated in the end of the Baath Party’s rule, which had governed Syria for over six decades. Now, under a new interim government, Syria is beginning the process of restoring normal operations, starting with one of its key air travel hubs.
Airlines Invited to Resume Operations
The Syrian aviation authority has extended invitations to airlines to restart flights to and from Aleppo. While exact flight schedules have yet to be announced, the reopening is expected to restore vital connectivity for travelers and businesses.
Before its closure, Aleppo International Airport served as a crucial link for Syria, handling flights to regional destinations such as Beirut, Baghdad, and Dubai, as well as a limited number of international routes. The return of flights marks a significant step toward stabilizing air travel in the country following months of uncertainty.
Political Upheaval and the Airport’s Closure
Aleppo’s airport shutdown was directly linked to the country’s shifting political landscape. In November 2024, opposition forces took control of the airport, prompting the Assad regime to suspend all flights. The situation escalated in December when Bashar al-Assad fled Syria for Russia on December 8, bringing an end to his government’s long-standing rule.
On January 29, 2025, Ahmed al-Sharaa was declared Syria’s interim president, leading efforts to restore order and reopen critical infrastructure. The decision to resume flights at Aleppo International Airport is one of the first major steps taken by the new administration to rebuild Syria’s transportation network.
What’s Next for Syria’s Air Travel?
The reopening of Aleppo International Airport signals a potential turning point for Syria’s aviation industry, but many challenges remain. The success of the reopening will depend on:
- The willingness of international airlines to reinstate flights.
- Security and stability in the region to ensure safe operations.
- Traveler confidence in using Syria’s air transport infrastructure.
With many airlines having suspended flights to Syria for years, it remains uncertain how quickly commercial carriers will return. However, the government’s efforts to restore key airports like Aleppo indicate a broader push toward economic and infrastructural recovery.
For now, Aleppo’s airport reopening offers a glimmer of normalcy in a country that has faced years of turbulence. Whether this move will lead to a wider revival of Syria’s aviation sector remains to be seen.
