Flights to Aleppo to Resume on Tuesday

Last updated: 19 January 2026 15:51

3 Min Read

Arrivals at Aleppo International Airport © Syrian Arab News Agency

The Syrian government announced on Sunday, Jan. 18, that it would resume flights at Aleppo International Airport (ALP) in Syria on Tuesday, Jan. 20, after a one-week suspension due to security concerns.

'Customs Check Area' is written in English and in Arabic inside the Aleppo Airport. — Renewed customs area at Aleppo International Airport ahead of the reopening of July 2025 © Syrian Arab News Agency

Why were flights halted in the first place?

Syria had suspended all air traffic to and from Aleppo’s airport on Jan. 10 amid an escalation of tensions with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a militant group formed a decade ago, one that fought the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war.

The Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) had described the decision as a precaution while it completed technical and security assessments, the Anadolu news agency reported.

Despite previously signing agreements in March and April 2025 to integrate the group into Syria’s state institutions, SDF missed the deadline to hand over administrative control of the semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria to the central government, which led to the eruption of armed confrontations.

On Jan. 18, the two sides announced a ceasefire.

Interim Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa, right, shakes hands with Mazloum Abdi of SDF, left, in Damascus. — Interim Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa (right), and SDF leader, Mazloum Abdi (left), when they signed the deal for integration of the SDF in March 2025 © Syrian Presidency

Safety measures at the Aleppo Airport

When announcing the reopening of air traffic to and from the airport, GACA said new safety measures included comprehensive protocols and updated baggage-handling and surveillance systems.

Omar Hosari, the head of GACA, posted on the social media X:

“We are pleased to announce the resumption of air traffic at Aleppo International Airport starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in accordance with the approved flight schedule.”

Hosari added that the next phase would see “continued focus on the airport” and that efforts would continue to improve travellers’ experience.

GACA has also advised passengers to regularly check flight details with their airlines, as departure times and gates may change.

The reopening of Aleppo’s airport is broadly seen as an important step in the city’s recovery after years of civil war, with the new authorities hoping it will boost tourism and local businesses.

Are you interested in visiting Aleppo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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ByMarta Abreu

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News Editor - A recent master’s graduate in International Journalism with a strong interest in international and investigative reporting, including digital open-source methods. Drawn to humanitarian, environmental and political journalism, finance and institutions, they enjoy uncovering surprising angles and exploring complex stories in depth. Primarily a writer, they also have experience in podcasting and information visualisation, with an academic background in Communication Sciences.