As part of the transfer of Latakia International Airport from Russia to Syria, a technical review was conducted while civil aviation authorities from the two countries assessed the steps needed to prepare the facility for the resumption of civilian flights.
At an expanded meeting held at the airport on Thursday, August 13, officials discussed the technical and operational procedures to be carried out after the transfer process is completed and management passes to Syria.
Infrastructure and operational systems reviewed
The Syrian delegation included Samih Arabi, deputy head of the Civil Aviation and Air Transport Administration, and directors of various departments.
The delegation inspected the airport’s infrastructure, equipment and operational systems to determine the technical requirements to be implemented in the next phase.
The review was conducted as part of a plan to restore Latakia International Airport to operational use and make it ready for service before civilian flights resume.
Agreement reached after 18 months of talks
The Civil Aviation and Air Transport Administration announced that it took over management of the airport on August 9 after the signing of a memorandum of mutual understanding.
The agreement provides for the restructuring of Russia’s presence on Syria’s Mediterranean coast and the transfer of civilian facilities to the Syrian state. Syria’s Foreign Ministry announced that the agreement was reached after 18 months of talks.
Under the agreement, Syria is expected to assume management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim Air Base and the fourth commercial berth at the Port of Tartus. The arrangement also covers the restructuring of Russia’s presence on the Syrian coast.
Latakia Airport was under Russian military control
Latakia Airport had been under almost complete control of Russian military forces since late 2015. The facility was operated as Hmeimim Air Base under an agreement with Assad’s former administration.
The agreement granted Moscow the right to use the airport free of charge and indefinitely as the main hub for air operations in Syria.
Russia provided military and political support to the government of former President Bashar al-Assad throughout the Syrian conflict from 2011 to 2024.
On December 8, 2024, Syrian opposition groups entered Damascus and declared that the Assad administration had fallen. The development brought an end to more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family.
