Jordan has resumed flights to Syria after 13 years, following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. The inaugural flight on February 1, 2025, represents a shift in Jordan’s policy, aiming to support Syria’s economic recovery and stability. Daily flights will begin in April 2025, signaling renewed engagement from Arab states with the new Syrian leadership.
Jordan has resumed commercial flights to Syria, marking a significant political shift following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Royal Jordanian Airlines celebrated its first flight to Damascus on February 1, 2025. This reopening of air travel, suspended for 13 years, initiates daily flights beginning April 2025, poised to enhance trade and support Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
The resumption of flights illustrates Jordan’s evolving position regarding the Syrian conflict. Flight services were halted in 2012 due to concerns over safety and potential spillover from the Syrian civil war. With the regime change, Jordan is keen on promoting stability in Syria and facilitating the return of Syrian refugees displaced by conflict.
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi confirmed Jordan’s involvement in discussions on Syrian reconstruction during talks with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees reside in Jordan, with many hoping for conditions that would allow them to return home safely.
King Abdullah II of Jordan recently congratulated Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new interim president of Syria, reinforcing Jordan’s commitment to regional stability. Al-Sharaa aims to restore Syria’s place in international diplomacy, a goal supported by other Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Despite the positive reception from Arab states, reactions from key former allies of Assad, such as Iran and Russia, have been restrained. While Iran expressed support for Syria’s new government, it refrained from endorsing al-Sharaa specifically. Russia remains focused on its military priorities in Syria, without a clear response to the changing political landscape.
The evolving situation raises uncertainties about future diplomatic relations, particularly regarding Assad’s potential extradition from Russia. As regional actors reassess their strategies post-Assad, Jordan’s actions reflect a broader trend towards increased Arab engagement with a reconciling Syria.
In summary, these developments represent a crucial step in restoring Syria’s diplomatic ties with Arab states, potentially leading to renewed economic interactions and cooperation as the region seeks a path forward.
This article discusses the geopolitical implications of Jordan renewing commercial flights to Syria after a long suspension due to the Syrian conflict. The resumption of flights is closely linked to the political changes following the removal of President Assad, signaling a shift in regional dynamics and Jordan’s role in fostering stability and reconstruction in Syria. It highlights Jordan’s efforts to manage Syrian refugee populations and encourage Syria’s reintegration into the Arab diplomatic landscape.
In conclusion, Jordan’s restoration of flights to Syria signifies a pivotal moment in Arab-Syrian relations. It not only facilitates passenger traffic but also symbolizes Jordan’s proactive role in promoting stability and reconstruction in a post-Assad Syria. This development suggests an emerging consensus among Arab nations to engage with Syria after years of isolation, fostering hopes for cooperation and regional stability.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
