Tickets for flights operated by Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Damascus, which are set to resume on Thursday after a 12-year hiatus, have been sold out for two weeks in advance, according to the industry portal Turizm News.
The inaugural flight, scheduled to depart Istanbul International Airport at 09:00 Moscow time, is expected to include a significant number of Turkish officials among its passengers. Flights will be operated on a wide-body Airbus A330-203, the airline confirmed.
Initially, Turkish Airlines announced it would not transport citizens of Israel and Iran to Syria. However, the latest travel advisory on the airline's website states the restriction applies only to Israeli citizens. Iranian travelers must obtain permission from Syrian authorities, as must foreign journalists. The airline also advised international travelers to carry cash when entering Syria due to the inability to use foreign bank cards for payments.
Turkey's ministry of transport has been assisting Syria's new authorities in restoring operations at Damascus and Aleppo airports, including providing necessary systems and equipment. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that radar systems and baggage screening equipment are among the priorities for airport upgrades.
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Based on TASS materials