Iranian flights to Syria are suspended until January 22, 2025, after President Bashar al-Assad’s departure amid rebel advances. Entry permits from Syria are required, and safety concerns have led Iran to caution against travel to Syria following the HTS takeover.
Iran’s flights to Syria are expected to remain suspended until January 22, 2025, as reported by local media this week. The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, Hossein Pourfarzaneh, stated that flights cannot occur without the destination country’s entry and admission permits. This suspension follows significant political changes in Syria, particularly after the recent departure of President Bashar al-Assad influenced by the advance of rebel forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), into the capital, Damascus. Since the HTS takeover, a notable number of Iranians have evacuated Syria as the circumstances have shifted dramatically.
The status of Iranian flights to Syria has been critically impacted by the recent political turmoil within the country. Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime was significantly supported by Tehran during the civil war, the new authority under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed dissent against Iran’s influence. The suspension of flights not only illustrates the altered diplomatic relations but also reflects concerns for safety, as Iran has issued advisories against traveling to Syria amid the current instability.
In summary, Iranian flights to Syria will be halted until late January 2025 due to the political upheaval and uncertainty surrounding the new ruling authority in Syria following Assad’s exit. The absence of direct contact between Iran and the new regime, coupled with safety concerns, underscores the evolving dynamics of regional politics influenced by these recent developments.
Original Source: jordantimes.com