Air travel to and from Syria has been widely disrupted following a sharp regional military escalation between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other.
The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to respond with dozens of ballistic missiles. The escalation has affected airspace across several countries in the region, including Syria, leading to flight cancellations, suspensions, and the temporary closure of air corridors.
Flights Suspended at Damascus and Aleppo Airports
Syrian Airlines announced the suspension of all scheduled flights to and from Damascus International Airport and Aleppo International Airport starting Saturday, February 28, until further notice.
The airline urged passengers not to head to the airports and to contact booking offices or customer service to reschedule flights or request ticket refunds in accordance with approved regulations. It also called on travelers to follow updates published on the company's official website.
Southern Air Corridors Closed
The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary closure of southern air corridors within Syrian airspace.
In a statement issued on Saturday, February 28, the authority said the closure would begin at 12:00 p.m. and last for 12 hours, aiming to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety.
It added that air traffic during the closure would be managed through approved alternative routes to guarantee the smooth flow of operations in line with international regulations. The authority said it is monitoring developments around the clock and will announce any updates as they arise.
Flights Halted from Doha, Amman, and Istanbul
In the same context, Enab Baladi monitored the suspension of flights carrying Syrians bound for Damascus and Aleppo from airports in Doha, Amman, and Istanbul.
Flights arriving from several European countries to Beirut and Amman, carrying Syrian passengers, were also halted.
Restrictions on Overland Transit to Turkey
Alongside the suspension of air traffic, Mazen Alloush, Director of Public Relations at Syria's General Authority of Land and Sea Ports, said in a Facebook post that air traffic across airports in the region is currently suspended, including in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
He noted that Turkish authorities are not currently allowing Syrian dual nationals who entered Syria via airports or through Lebanon or Jordan to cross into Turkey. Foreign nationals are also barred from crossing land border points for the purpose of using Turkish airports.
According to Alloush, exceptions apply to Turkish citizens, Syrian nationals holding valid residency in Turkey, and Syrian dual nationals who entered Syria through land border crossings with Turkey, who are still permitted to cross.
Growing Uncertainty Among Travelers
These developments have created widespread uncertainty and confusion among travelers. Authorities and airlines have called on passengers to follow official announcements and avoid heading to airports or border crossings before confirming that operations have officially resumed.
