LONDON — The Syrian Arab Republic announced on Monday that it has commenced the restoration of Latakia International Airport, a key milestone in the country’s broader effort to rebuild its aviation network and resume passenger services.
Omar Hosari, head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, told the Syrian Arab News Agency that technical teams have already begun work on the airport’s buildings, facilities, and equipment. “We are working to restore Syrian airports to their full role in serving the state, citizens, and the national economy,” Hosari said, noting that the Latakia facility has entered the implementation phase.
Although Hosari did not provide a specific timeline for resuming flights, he confirmed that the airport will reopen once restoration is complete and it meets all required technical and safety standards. The broader initiative is also designed to reinforce state control over civil aviation facilities, which Syria considers sovereign and strategically vital infrastructure.
The restoration work follows an Aug. 9 memorandum between Syria and Russia that reorganized Russia’s presence along the Mediterranean coast after more than 18 months of negotiations. Under the agreement, Damascus is set to regain management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim Airport and a commercial berth at the port of Tartus, while military sites will be converted into joint training and qualification centers.
Syrian civil aviation officials began discussions with Russian representatives in August to establish the technical and operational arrangements for transferring Latakia International Airport, including assessments of its infrastructure, equipment, and systems. Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani visited the airport on Sept. 18 to review the implementation of the memorandum and the progress of the handover with Russian officials, according to Syrian state media.
The August agreement also redefines the functions of military facilities previously used by Russian forces in Syria, with both sides agreeing to convert them into joint training centers. The transition is scheduled to be implemented within three months. During the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 and continued until the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024, Russia used Latakia in 2015 as a key hub for its air operations in the country.
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