RIYADH – A historic flight touched down in the Saudi capital on Wednesday, marking the resumption of commercial air travel between Syria and Saudi Arabia after a hiatus of over a decade. The arrival of the Syrian Airlines aircraft, carrying 170 passengers, symbolizes a significant step in the normalization of relations between the two countries.
The decision to reinstate direct flights comes as part of a broader effort to mend ties severed in 2012 amid the Syrian civil war. Last year, both nations re-established diplomatic relations, laying the groundwork for increased cooperation.
Ambassador Ayman Soussan of Syria to Saudi Arabia confirmed the development, highlighting the resumption as a regular route with one round-trip flight per week between Riyadh and Damascus. The reconnection of the two countries through air travel is anticipated to bolster economic, trade, and people-to-people ties.
The event is seen as a pivotal moment in the region, reflecting a thaw in tensions that have persisted for years. Aviation experts and political observers alike are closely watching the developments, considering it a potential catalyst for further regional cooperation and stability.