Syria Reopens Aleppo Airport Airspace for Limited Flights

Syria has partially reopened its airspace to allow limited flight operations to and from Aleppo International Airport, marking a cautious step toward restoring aviation activity in the country’s northwest. The announcement was made by Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, which issued a Notice to Air Missions confirming the change.

The NOTAM came into effect on March 4 at 15:50 local time, corresponding to 12:50 UTC, and authorizes airlines to operate flights to Aleppo under strict coordination with Syrian air traffic control authorities. Officials emphasized that any operations must be conducted in close communication with controllers to ensure safety and compliance with operational procedures.

While Aleppo airport has reopened for limited use, the country’s main international gateway in Damascus remains closed to all civilian air traffic. In addition, overflight transit across Syrian airspace is still prohibited, meaning airlines cannot currently route international flights through the country.

The selective reopening reflects a cautious approach by aviation authorities as Syria gradually evaluates the security and operational environment for air travel. Authorities have indicated that operations to Aleppo will be carefully monitored and managed to ensure safe conditions for airlines that may consider resuming services.

Despite the authorization for flights, no airlines had begun operating to Aleppo as of March 5. Industry observers note that carriers are likely taking a wait-and-see approach before committing to services, given the complexities involved in restarting routes to the region.

Airlines typically conduct detailed risk assessments before resuming flights to airports that have experienced prolonged closures or security challenges. These evaluations include reviewing airspace safety conditions, airport infrastructure readiness, ground handling services, and insurance coverage requirements.

Aleppo International Airport historically served as an important aviation hub for northern Syria, handling both domestic and international passenger traffic before the disruption of operations during years of conflict. Reopening the airport could eventually support the movement of humanitarian workers, aid supplies, and limited commercial traffic once airlines determine that operational conditions are stable.

The aviation authority’s decision comes amid broader efforts to gradually restore air connectivity in parts of the country where infrastructure can safely support limited operations. However, with Damascus still closed and overflights restricted, Syria’s airspace remains largely unavailable for regional and international air traffic.

For now, the reopening of Aleppo represents a preliminary step rather than a full resumption of normal aviation activity, as authorities and airlines continue to monitor developments and assess when broader flight operations may safely return.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com