In brief
After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Aleppo International Airport welcomed its first flight from Damascus, signaling a potential revival for the country's infrastructure and governance under rebel leadership.
In a landmark event for the war-torn nation, a Syrian Air flight from Damascus touched down at Aleppo International Airport on Wednesday, representing the first domestic flight since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. As officials in the transitional government work to stabilize and revitalize the struggling nation, this historic arrival comes at a crucial moment.Before the arrival of the flight, airport personnel were busy tidying up the runway, clearing remnants of the past including empty ammunition boxes and military gear that had lingered from its days under government control. When the flight finally landed, albeit over an hour late, it was met with a hearty welcome from a crowd of media representatives and an extensive security presence, ensuring safe operations.Anas Rustum, appointed by the rebel force Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to oversee airport operations, expressed optimism about the future of the airport and the broader war-affected populace. "We view this as a significant achievement — a step towards rebuilding our nation," he stated, adding their openness to welcoming global airlines to establish connections.This flight marked not only a technical success but also an assertion of security and governance by the rebels, who now aim to provide essential services. Previously, Aleppo’s airport had been repurposed by the Assad regime for military attacks, causing concern among employees. Ahmed Ibrahim, a long-serving airport control tower operator, recalled the fear among workers before the rebels took control; however, they were quickly reassured and called back to active duty.As the new authorities push towards restoring normalcy, aspirations grow for international flights and greater connectivity for the people of Syria, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s journey. "We’re hoping for an opening to other countries," Ibrahim added, symbolizing hope in the wake of years of destruction and conflict.
