Aleppo, SANA-Turkish Airlines has resumed direct flights between Istanbul Airport and Aleppo for the first time in more than a decade carrying 140 passengers.

The flight was welcomed by The Consul General of Turkey in Aleppo, Muammer Hakan Cengiz and a Syrian aviation team led by Alaa Salal.

Salal told SANA that this flight marks a return to normal at one of Syria's oldest airports. He said it was possible thanks to close cooperation between Syrian and Turkish aviation authorities. "This move supports Syrias goal to reconnect its airports to the world, helping citizens and boosting the economy and tourism."

Salal added that this flight starts a new chapter for international flights in Syria as the aviation authority is working to add more routes and improve airport facilities to match Syrias role in the region. It is committed to high service and safety standards at all airports.