By bnm Gulf bureau The first Turkish Airlines flight in 13 years landed in Damascus on January 23, carrying 345 passengers including the airline's CEO Bilal Eksi, marking a significant step in Syria's reconnection with international aviation networks.

Officials say that Turkish Airlines will resume its flights to Damascus, Syria, next week after a halt of more than a decade.

Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed Thursday after 13 years with a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Turkish media showed Syrian families draped in their national flag singing pro-opposition songs and cheering as they prepared to board flight TK0846 to Damascus.