Two major Syrian airports – Damascus International Airport (DAM), the major air hub serving the capital of Syria and Aleppo International Airport (ALP), an international airport serving Aleppo, which have been closed since December 8, have now reopened for the arrival and departure of aircraft.
However, DAM and ALP operations are currently limited to flights authorized by special permits, as indicated by NOTAM messages issued by flight dispatchers.
According to these messages, “All flights to and from DAM and ALP airports are suspended, except for flights under special permits from the civil aviation authority.”
The restrictions will be in effect from 8:00pm GMT on December 12 until 3:00pm GMT on December 18.
All operations at Damascus International Airport were halted due to the collapse of the Syrian government last Sunday. The airport, located in the capital, was evacuated, and all flights were suspended after rebel forces took control of the city overnight.
Aleppo International Airport was shut down, and all flights were canceled last Saturday after rebels gained control of this key air facility, as reported by their operations room and a security source.