WANA (Jan 16) – In a statement released today (Thursday) on its official website, Turkish Airlines announced Entry restrictions, under which Iranian citizens will no longer be permitted to enter Damascus under new regulations imposed by Syria’s transitional government.

 

Earlier this week, Turkish Airlines had announced the resumption of flights to Damascus starting January 23 with three flights scheduled per week.

 

However, the airline’s updated guidelines clarified, “According to decisions made by the authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic, specific entry regulations have been introduced. Citizens of all countries except Israel and Iran are permitted to enter Syria.”

 

Turkish Airlines has not provided further explanation for the restriction, and there has been no official comment from Syria’s transitional government regarding this matter.

 

Additionally, the airline noted that Syrian citizens with valid documentation proving their nationality will be allowed entry. Lebanese citizens may only enter Syria if one of their parents is Syrian or if they possess a Syrian residency permit or visa.

 

The statement also highlighted that journalists and media professionals must obtain special permits to enter Syria.

 

Separately, Qatar Airways announced earlier this month the resumption of its flights to Damascus, with three weekly flights. The first flight took off on January 7.