First International Flight Lands in Damascus

The first international commercial flight since the ousting of Bashar Assad arrived in Damascus from Qatar, marking a significant step toward Syria's reintegration into global aviation and diplomatic relations. This flight, welcomed by eager crowds, follows a series of diplomatic moves by Syria's new authorities, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, to strengthen ties with Gulf nations crucial for reconstruction efforts. Jordan's Royal Jordanian Airlines also conducted a test flight to assess Damascus Airport's readiness for regular operations. As Syria embarks on this new phase, Gulf countries are poised to play a pivotal role in funding its recovery after 14 years of civil war, while the government has begun cracking down on the Captagon trade to improve international relations. Furthermore, the U.S. has eased some sanctions, facilitating quicker delivery of humanitarian aid to the new government. These developments signal a cautious optimism about Syria's future connectivity and stability.