Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA- Syrian Airlines operated its first direct flight from Damascus International Airport to Istanbul Airport, marking the resumption of service after an almost 12-year interruption.
Sameh Ourabi, Director of Syrian Airlines, told SANA that the return of flights between Damascus and Istanbul via Syrian Airlines is an exceptionally patriotic step.
He noted that the technical and administrative requirements for operating these flights were lengthy, complex, and arduous, but they affirmed that the Syrian Airlines crew possesses the competence and ability to meet all conditions and standards, which are comparable to or even rival European operating requirements.
Ourabi highlighted ongoing efforts to expand flight routes to include other Turkish cities such as Mersin, Antakya, and Izmir, to better serve the Syrian community residing in Turkey.
He described the resumption of this flight route as a historic achievement in every sense of the word, given the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the Syrian and Turkish peoples.
Several passengers expressed their relief at being able to travel directly from Damascus Airport, without needing any other stops or having to fly with foreign airlines. They emphasized that flying with their national carrier filled them with pride and a sense of belonging to their homeland, after years of disruption due to the policies of the ousted regime that severed Syria’s ties with the world.
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
