Syria suspends operation in Damascus international airport till 23:00 local time - Civil Aviation Authority

Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport has announced the temporary suspension of operations at Damascus International Airport until 23:00 local time on June 8, 2026. The decision, which includes the closure of southern air corridors for 12 hours, is a precautionary measure taken following recent regional developments and technical assessments by the risk management committee. The suspension aims to ensure the safety of air navigation and flight operations in accordance with international standards.

This is not the first time the airport has faced operational disruptions. In December 2024, all flights to and from Damascus were suspended following the rebel takeover of the country, with operations resuming in January 2025. However, the airspace remains under a high-risk designation due to ongoing military activity and potential for Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian and Hezbollah-linked positions. Several countries, including the United States, Germany, Canada, and France, continue to issue flight prohibitions or warnings for their operators regarding Syrian airspace.

The Civil Aviation Authority has stated that Damascus and Aleppo airports are undergoing rehabilitation efforts to support the resumption of international flights. Qatar Airways recently announced plans to resume flights to Damascus on January 7, 2026, marking the first such service in nearly 13 years. Despite these developments, the current suspension underscores the continued volatility in the region and the challenges facing the aviation sector in Syria.