The first Turkish Airlines flight in 13 years landed in Damascus on January 23, carrying 345 passengers including the airline's CEO Bilal Eksi, marking a significant step in Syria's reconnection with international aviation networks.

Turkey, which backs the new regime in Damascus, previously announced that it would not allow the country to fall into war following the departure of the former dictator Bashar al-Assad and the ongoing battles with Kurdish forces along the southern Turkish border with Syria. The commitment by Turkey to support the country also comes in the form of contracts for Turkish industry including supporting flights back to Damascus. 

"I hope that the flights we have restarted will contribute to the relations between our countries," Eksi told al-Watan, announcing that Turkish Airlines would operate three weekly flights to Syria.

The resumption follows Turkey's January 15 announcement to restart commercial flights to Damascus after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last month.

Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, who was present on the inaugural flight, called it "a historic moment."

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Dukhan welcomed the development: "Syrian-Turkish relations have deep roots, and we value this step as a beginning for the return of bilateral relations. The resumption of flights will restore hope for Syrians abroad to return to their country with dignity."

Qatar Airways led international carriers in resuming Damascus services on January 7, while Syrian Airlines operated its first international commercial flight to Sharjah, UAE, after Assad's December 8 overthrow.

Domestic flights had previously resumed with a Damascus-Aleppo service on December 18.

The restoration of air links represents a significant shift in regional dynamics following recent political changes in Syria.

A Qatari aid plane arrived at Damascus International Airport carrying food supplies provided by the Qatar Development Fund on January 23.