Pilotcenter.net News: Turkish Airlines Takes to the Skies Once Again

Exciting news in the aviation world as Turkish Airlines recently announced the resumption of flights to key destinations following a period of suspension due to political unrest. On January 23, 2025, the airline commenced operations on the Istanbul (IST) to Damascus (DAM) route with the inaugural flight, TK846, operated by a Boeing 777-300 aircraft. This flight garnered global attention, becoming the most tracked aircraft on Flightradar24 during its journey.

Looking ahead, Turkish Airlines plans to uphold two weekly rotations on this route with Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Not stopping there, the airline also relaunched service to Benghazi (BEN), Libya's second city, from its Istanbul (IST) hub. These reconnections mark a significant milestone for Turkish Airlines, solidifying its reputation as a leading carrier with an extensive network encompassing 352 destinations across 131 countries as of January 2025.

Interestingly, Turkish Airlines joins Royal Jordanian as one of the major international airlines operating in Damascus post the regime change in December 2024. Royal Jordanian recently disclosed its plans to reinstate flights between Amman and Damascus, gradually increasing frequency to daily by April 2025.

The decision to resume routes to Damascus and Benghazi follows a diplomatic exchange between Turkey and Syria, underlining the importance of rebuilding ties and fostering regional connectivity. However, as Turkish Airlines readies for flights between Istanbul and Damascus, it's worth noting that Syrian authorities have enforced certain restrictions, including a ban on Israeli and Iranian nationals, as well as potential limitations for Lebanese citizens and members of the press.

In a show of solidarity and commitment to expanding its reach, Turkish Airlines will operate its Benghazi flights using B737-800 aircraft, amidst ongoing political challenges in the region. This move aligns with Turkey's support for the recognized Libyan government in Tripoli, despite diplomatic engagements with various factions in Libya.

As the airline industry cautiously navigates through geopolitical complexities, the resumption of flights to Damascus and Benghazi represents a positive step towards restoring air connectivity and fostering economic ties in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on Turkish Airlines' expanding network and future developments in the dynamic aviation landscape.