Syrian Airlines to resume Dubai flights as Damascus airport reopens Tuesday
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Damascus International Airport is set to resume international flights on Tuesday, following a suspension of commercial operations after last month's ousting of President Bashar Al Assad.
Syrian Airlines will reconnect Damascus with Dubai as flights resume, according to a statement from an airline employee who spoke anonymously to AFP, citing restrictions on speaking to the media.
A statement from the state news agency SANA confirmed the announcement, quoting Ashhad al-Salibi, head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.
The statement said, "We announce we will start receiving international flights to and from Damascus International Airport from Tuesday".
Salibi also emphasized ongoing restoration efforts to ensure the airport is fully operational.
"We reassure Arab and international airlines that we have begun the phase of rehabilitating the Aleppo and Damascus airports with our partners' help, so that they can welcome flights from all over the world", said Salibi.
International aid planes and foreign diplomatic delegations have continued to land in Syria during the suspension. Domestic flights have also resumed.
Qatar Airways is among the international carriers re-establishing routes to Syria, announcing last Thursday the resumption of flights to Damascus after a 13-year hiatus. The airline will operate three weekly flights starting Tuesday.
A Qatari official disclosed to AFP last month that Doha had offered assistance to the new Syrian authorities to aid in resuming airport operations.
On December 18, the first flight since the ousting of Assad departed Damascus for Aleppo, marking a significant milestone as the country rebuilds its aviation links. AFP journalists witnessed the departure as flights resumed between the two major cities.