Thirteen years after canceling its flights to Syria, Qatar Airlines is now offering three weekly flights to Damascus. Following the ousting of Syria’s president in December, changing circumstances in the country’s ongoing civil war appear to satisfy Qatar Airlines’ requirements for operating flights there.

Qatar Airways Is Re-Starting Flights To Syria After More Than A Decade Away

In 2011, when the current civil war conflict began in Syria, Qatar Airlines stopped its flights to Damascus and elsewhere in Syria. In a press release, Qatar Airways described its decision, citing “regional connectivity” and “passenger demand” as some of its reasons for resuming flights.

“The decision to restart operations to Syria reflects the airline’s commitment to fostering regional connectivity and supporting passenger demand. Qatar Airways is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary safety, security, and operational standards are met ahead of the relaunch.” — Qatar Airways

As of publication time, Damascus International Airport lists four airlines flying to/from Damascus Airport: Cham Wings Airlines, United Airways Banglad, Fly Baghdad Airlines, and Syrianair. Flights were temporarily stopped as the transition of power reportedly took place; Bashar al-Assad, now considered the former president of Syria, departed the country in December, after which the airport was apparently closed.

Qatar Airways tweeted about its plans to resume operations to Damascus and received some harsh criticism from X users, amid various questions about its service. Many commenters complained of poor service on Qatar Airways, asking about refunds or other customer service issues.

Some commenters asked questions such as what days flights would be offered and how soon flights would be searchable on Qatar Airways’ website.

Damascus Airport To Resume International Flights This Week

International flights are said to resume this week at Damascus Airport, notes The Guardian, as commercial flights were stopped following al-Assad’s departure. The Guardian quoted Syria’s transportation authority as saying that the airports would be rehabilitated following civil unrest in the country.

Some flights did take place during the closure, including an Egyptian aid delivery, the first humanitarian delivery from Cairo since the former president departed. As the country’s new de facto leaders work toward rebuilding Syria, the United States cautions its citizens against traveling there.

As of publication time, the U.S. Department of State has given Syria a Level 4: Do Not Travel label, citing “terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, and armed conflict.” U.S. travelers are further warned away from visiting Syria due to “the risk of wrongful detention.”

Who is Syria’s new leader?

Upon the ousting of former President al-Assad, Syria has a new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Ahmed al-Sharaa has been quoted by Al Jazeera as suggesting elections will be held in around four years, after a new census is conducted to determine the number of eligible voters. Ahmed al-Sharaa also stated that the dominant military and political power in Syria would be dissolved, and that the country will “not be a source of disturbance to anyone.”

Al Jazeera also quoted that al-Sharaa expressed optimism towards incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential to lift sanctions currently imposed on Syria.

References: Qatar Airways, The Guardian, U.S. Department of State, Damascus Airport, Al Jazeera