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.
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.
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.
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