First Commercial Flight Takes Off in Syria Following Bashar al-Assad’s Departure

Damascus, Syria: In a symbolic milestone marking the start of a new chapter for Syria, the first commercial flight since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad took off from Damascus airport and landed in Aleppo on Wednesday. The flight carried 43 passengers, including a group of journalists, signifying a tentative step toward restoring normalcy in a war-torn nation.

The Damascus airport had been non-operational since December 8, when pro-Assad forces abandoned the capital following a rapid offensive by opposition fighters that began on November 27. Security concerns had grounded flights until this week.

Earlier, the airport’s staff repainted aircraft with the three-star flag—a symbol of the 2011 uprising—now adopted by Syria’s transitional authorities. Inside the terminal, the flag of the opposition has replaced the banner associated with Assad's regime.

According to an airport official, international flights are expected to resume on December 24 after necessary maintenance work, signaling a gradual reopening of Syria’s airspace to the world.

Regional and Economic Implications

Neighboring Jordan also reopened the Jaber border crossing to facilitate trade, resuming freight traffic between the two nations. These developments come as Syria grapples with rebuilding a shattered economy after more than 13 years of conflict that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.

The new ruling coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been working to stabilize governance and kickstart economic recovery. Once linked to al-Qaeda and designated a “terrorist” organization by several Western nations, HTS has rebranded itself, pledging to protect Syria’s religious and ethnic diversity while focusing on rebuilding state institutions.

Leadership and Political Transition

Newly appointed Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, who previously led an HTS-affiliated government in Idlib province, has taken office in Damascus. He has committed to overseeing the country until March, while the transitional government charts a political roadmap.

United Nations Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, visiting Damascus, urged for "free and fair elections" and immediate humanitarian assistance for the nation. “There is hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria,” Pedersen remarked, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive and peaceful political resolution.

HTS military chief Murhaf Abu Qasra (known as Abu Hassan al-Hamawi) echoed this sentiment, stating that the Kurdish-held northeast would be integrated into a unified Syria. Rejecting federalism, he affirmed that “Syria will not be divided,” and declared the group’s willingness to dissolve its armed forces to integrate into a national army.

Challenges Ahead

Hadi al-Bahra, the head of the Syrian National Coalition—formerly the leading opposition group during the war—called for a credible transitional government that ensures inclusivity and freedom of speech. Speaking at a press briefing, al-Bahra announced plans for the coalition to relocate from Turkiye to Syria, pledging to participate in the nation’s rebuilding.

The UN Security Council has also reiterated its support for a Syrian-led political process. In a recent statement, the council emphasized combating terrorism, upholding international resolutions on weapons disarmament, and ensuring the protection of diplomatic premises.

Hope Amidst Uncertainty

As Syria navigates its transitional period, the nation faces immense challenges, including the scars of war, ongoing economic turmoil, and humanitarian needs. The resumption of commercial flights and the reopening of trade routes offer glimmers of hope, but much remains uncertain.

For millions of Syrians, rebuilding their lives and fostering unity in a fractured country will require resilience, diplomacy, and concerted international support.