Latakia International Airport

History

Until 2024 the airport was officially known as Bassel Al-Assad International Airport (), named for Bassel al-Assad (1962–1994), son of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and brother of his successor Bashar al-Assad.

In 2025, negotiations between Syria and Russia stalled over control and the reopening of Latakia International Airport. Despite efforts by Damascus since late January, Russia refused to hand over the facility due to its proximity to the Khmeimim Air Base (operated by Russian forces) and ongoing security concerns. Moscow also demanded official recognition of its military presence at the Khmeimim and Tartus bases, further complicating the talks. As of June 2025, the airport remains closed to civilian traffic.

Facilities

The passenger terminal opened in 1983; the tower was operational by 1989. The airport is at an elevation of 157 ft above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 17/35 with an asphalt surface measuring 2797 x.

Airlines and destinations

As of January 2026, Latakia International Airport is closed and has no civilian flights operating from it.

Military use

Main article: Khmeimim Air Base

Adjacent to the civilian airport buildings is the Russian Khmeimim airbase, the principal Russian airbase being used in the air campaign in Syria since 30 September 2015. The name of the air base Хмеймим has been also transliterated as Hemeimeem Air Base and Hmeymin Air Base.{{cite web| url=http://eng.mil.ru/en/multimedia/photo/gallery.htm?id=26075@cmsPhotoGallery

Russian military activity at Latakia Airport was revealed by American intelligence officials by early September 2015, with U.S. officials expressing concern. An Su-24 shot down by Turkish fighters on 24 November 2015 was said to be on its way back to Khmeimim.

The base, operative since 30 September 2015, can handle Antonov An-124 and Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. It has parking locations for more than 50 military aircraft including Su-24s, Su-25s, and Su-34s. In addition, the base is home to T-90 tanks, BTR-82 vehicles, artillery and Mi-24 gunship helicopters and Mi-8 support choppers. Air-conditioned accommodations were erected within a few months in 2015. Other new structures include storage facilities, field kitchens, and refueling stations. Supplies are flown in from Russia or shipped via Tartus harbor 50 km away. On 26 November 2015, it was reported that S-400 missile system had been deployed by Russia.

References

References

1. {{usurped
2. {{GCM. LTK
3. "Syrian Arab Republic - 2.2.3 Latakia International Airport {{!}} Digital Logistics Capacity Assessments".
4. (14 October 2015). "Russian Military Uses Syria as Proving Ground, and West Takes Notice". [[The New York Times]].
5. Rob Crilly. (5 September 2015). "Russia 'is building military base in Syria'". The Telegraph.
6. Luis Martinez. (9 September 2015). "Russian build-up continues at base in Syria, causing concern among US officials". ABC News.
7. (24 November 2015). "Минобороны РФ: российский Су-24 сбили при возвращении на авиабазу в Сирии". [[Russian News Agency TASS]].
8. (26 November 2015). "Россия развернула в Сирии ЗРК С-400". Kommersant.