Commercial air travel resumes between Istanbul and Aleppo, Syria, ending a 13-year flight ban between the two cities.
After a 13-year suspension, scheduled passenger flights between Istanbul and Aleppo, Syria, have resumed as of August 1, 2025. Turkish Airlines is leading the reopening of this route, with the addition of Aleppo flights following their service to Damascus.
Initially, Turkish Airlines operates flights on the Istanbul-Aleppo line three times a week (on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). From August 15, the frequency increases to five times weekly, and starting September 1, flights will operate daily.
The resumption of flights between Turkey and Syria follows a steady resurgence since the collapse of Assad's regime in December 2024. Air travel had been suspended since April 2012 due to the civil war, but resumed on January 23, 2025, with the first Turkish Airlines flight between Istanbul and Damascus.
Ticket prices for the Istanbul-Aleppo route started at around $299 when tickets went on sale as of late July 2025. Low-cost carrier AJet will also operate flights on the Sabiha Gokcen Airport-Aleppo route, with the inaugural flight scheduled for August 2.
The transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Syria has been accelerating efforts to normalize international ties. This move is seen as a significant step in Syria’s re-integration into regional air travel networks after over a decade of suspended service due to conflict.
It's important to note that Turkish Airlines has banned smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries. Passengers are advised to check their luggage's battery specifications before travel.
For many Syrians, the inaugural flight was a deeply emotional moment, marking their return home for the first time in over a decade. As international relations continue to improve, we can expect to see more connections between Turkey and Syria in the coming months.
[1] Turkish Airlines increases flights to Aleppo, Syria - Anadolu Agency, August 1, 2025. [2] Turkish Airlines to operate seven days a week on Istanbul-Aleppo route - Daily Sabah, July 31, 2025. [3] Turkish Airlines offers cheap flights to Aleppo, Syria - Hürriyet Daily News, July 25, 2025. [4] First flight between Istanbul and Aleppo, Syria takes off - TRT World, August 1, 2025. [5] AJet to operate daily flights on Sabiha Gokcen-Aleppo route - Anadolu Agency, July 30, 2025.
- Turkish Airlines has resumed passenger flights between Istanbul and Aleppo, Syria, following a 13-year suspension, as part of a gradual normalization of air travel between the two countries.
- The commencement of Turkish Airlines flights to Aleppo marks a significant step in Syria’s re-integration into regional air travel networks, as the transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa accelerates efforts to normalize international ties.
- In addition to Turkish Airlines, low-cost carrier AJet will also operate flights on the Sabiha Gokcen Airport-Aleppo route, further expanding travel options for passengers between Turkey and Syria.
- As international relations continue to improve, we can expect to see more connections between Turkey and Syria in the coming months, with Turkish Airlines planning to increase the frequency of their flights to Aleppo, operating seven days a week starting September 1, 2025.
- Business travelers and tourists are attracted to the resumption of flights, as ticket prices for the Istanbul-Aleppo route started at around $299, while finance and lifestyle opportunities are also expected to grow as the two countries strengthen their economic ties.
