International flight touches down in Syria for the first time since Assad's fall

On January 7, 2025, Syria marked a notable event in its recent history with the arrival of an international commercial flight at the Damascus airport from Qatar. This event represented the first flight since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad, following a recent rebel offensive that altered the political landscape in the country. The Jordanian state-run Petra news agency reported that a test flight by Royal Jordanian Airlines also took place to ensure the readiness of Damascus airport for regular operations. This shift in the aviation sector comes as Arab and Western nations begin to re-establish diplomatic relationships with Syria's new authorities, which are now led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The recent power dynamics have prompted changes in Syria's engagement with neighboring countries, as international contexts evolve and the repercussions of a prolonged civil war are felt across the region. Additionally, Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, has been actively meeting with counterparts from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to facilitate discussions on cooperation in various sectors. Moreover, the new authorities in Syria have shown intent to address previous issues that had strained relationships, such as the rampant production of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine. While under Assad's rule, Jordan served as a critical entry point for the smuggling of this substance into the Gulf states, Syria's new administration appears set on cracking down on such activities, including dismantling several factories linked to the illegal trade. With nearly 14 years of civil war behind it, Syria's journey towards reconstruction is expected to garner financial support from Gulf nations. The reopening of air travel, a crucial step in restoring normalcy, aligns with broader efforts for diplomatic engagement and economic revitalization as the country seeks stability after years of upheaval. The developments in Syria's aviation and diplomatic relations could serve as a significant turning point amid the changing political dynamics in the wider Middle East region.