Turkish Airlines will increase its Istanbul-Damascus flights due to rising demand. Starting July 8, the airline will offer 12 weekly flights, up from seven. This decision follows the resumption of service earlier this year, marking a major return to the Syrian capital after years of absence.

The airline stopped flights to Syria in April 2012 because of the civil conflict. Turkish Airlines resumed operations on January 23, 2025, ending a 13-year hiatus. The first flight, TK 846, carried 349 passengers. Many of them were Syrians returning home after more than a decade of absence.

Initially, the Istanbul-Damascus route operated three days a week. Due to rising demand, the airline expanded it to daily flights. The new schedule will increase the flights to 12 each week. This change reflects the continued interest in travel to Syria, especially with recent political shifts. Syrians in exile are returning, and many choose Turkish Airlines as their connection home.

The political landscape in Syria has shifted significantly. In December, Bashar al-Assad left for Russia, ending the Baath Party’s long rule. In January, a new transitional government took control and began dismantling key state structures. This change marks a shift toward normalization and recovery in the country.

As Syria rebuilds, Turkish Airlines plays an important role in connecting Syrians with their homeland. The increase in flights demonstrates the growing demand for travel to Syria, facilitating business and personal connections.

Related stories:

• More Flights, More Convenience—Turkish Airlines Makes Istanbul-Damascus Travel Easier!
• Turkish Airlines Lands in Damascus in 13 Years
• IndiGo Strengthens Gulf Connections with New Kerala-Muscat Flights
• Safety First: Spirit Airlines Suspends Flights to Haiti
• Turkish Airlines to Soar to New Heights in 2025