Turkish air carrier, Turkish Airlines, sets sights on resumption of air services to war-torn metropolis Aleppo, Syria, commencing August 1.
Turkish Airlines is making a significant step in reconnecting Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, to the international aviation network. After a 13-year hiatus caused by the Syrian civil war, the daily flights between Istanbul and Aleppo will operate as of August 1, 2025.
The resumption of flights marks a hopeful step in rebuilding connections between Turkey and Syria, reflecting broader regional normalization efforts following significant political changes in Syria.
Timeline and Context
The suspension of flights to Aleppo in 2012, as the Syrian civil war intensified, made air travel unsafe and impractical. Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Syria generally on January 23, 2025, marking the return of some air connectivity after 13 years. The first flight carried 349 passengers, many returning home after over a decade.
On June 16, 2025, Turkish Airlines' subsidiary AJet began regular flights to Damascus, Syria’s capital, increasing connectivity. The scheduled resumption of daily Istanbul–Aleppo flights by Turkish Airlines followed on August 1, 2025. Other airlines like Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian Airlines have also resumed flights to Aleppo around this time, expanding Syria’s air links with the region.
Reasons for Resumption
The resumption of flights to Aleppo is attributed to several factors. The collapse of Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the establishment of a transitional administration in January 2025 helped stabilize the political landscape and accelerate diplomatic normalization with neighboring countries, including Turkey.
Aleppo, historically a major commercial and cultural hub in Syria, represents an economically and symbolically significant city. Resuming flights is seen as a symbol of hope, recovery, and reopening of economic and social ties after years of devastating conflict.
The resumption also aligns with broader regional and international moves to re-engage with Syria despite ongoing security challenges and encourages the reintegration of Syrian cities into global networks.
Additional Details
Flight tickets have promotional prices starting at around $299 for round trips, encouraging passenger traffic. Turkish Airlines operates these flights with Boeing 737-900 aircraft, and the flight duration is approximately two hours from Istanbul to Aleppo. The airline applies strict inspection procedures due to the sensitive security environment.
This reopening represents a significant milestone in post-conflict recovery and regional reintegration for Syria, reflecting both improved conditions and political shifts that have made commercial air travel viable again after more than a decade of suspension.
- Turkish Airlines' daily flights between Istanbul and Aleppo, resuming after a 13-year hiatus due to the Syrian civil war, are set to begin on August 1, 2025.
- The resumption of flights to Aleppo is linked to political changes in Syria and the collapse of Assad’s regime, helping to stabilize the political landscape and accelerate diplomatic normalization with neighboring countries.
- The reopening of air connectivity with Aleppo is seen as a symbol of hope and recovery, signifying the reopening of economic and social ties after years of devastating conflict.
- The Turkish lifestyle and cultural attractions in Istanbul and Aleppo combined with affordable flight tickets and improved safety measures are likely to boost tourist travel between Turkiye and Syria.
