Istanbul: The first flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport to the Syrian capital Damascus in the post-Assad era was successfully completed on Wednesday.
According to Anadolu Agency, AJet has commenced daily round-trip flights to Damascus, a key hub in the Middle East, from Sabiha Gokcen. AJet has become the first airline to operate flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen to Damascus in 13 years. Passengers were welcomed with a ceremony at Damascus International Airport after the two-hour flight.
During the welcoming ceremony in Damascus, Kerem Sarp, AJet’s CEO, expressed pride in being the first to offer flights from Trkiye to Damascus in 13 years, following Turkish Airlines. Sarp announced the airline’s future plans: “Today, we made our first flight from Istanbul to Damascus. On Friday, July 4, we will make our first direct flight from Ankara to Damascus.”
This development positions AJet as the first airline to operate direct flights from Ankara to Damascus in many years. Sarp explained that AJet will operate daily flights from Istanbul and three flights per week from Ankara to Damascus International Airport. He highlighted that the new route’s significance stems from the ongoing developments toward peace and stability in Syria, which could help revive human and commercial ties and promote brotherhood during the country’s recovery process.
AJet currently operates flights to 59 destinations in 34 countries. With the addition of service to Damascus, Sarp emphasized their determination to continue growth targets in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa.