Media: Russia resumes flights to Syrian Hmeimim airbase in rebuild of relations

Russia has restarted military flights to its Hmeimim airbase in Latakia, Syria, ending an almost six-month pause, as both countries seek to rebuild relations following the overthrow of Moscow’s former ally, Bashar al-Assad.

Flight-tracking data shows at least two Russian aircraft have reached Latakia, Bloomberg writes. On October 26, an Ilyushin Il-62M transport plane flew from Libya to Latakia before continuing to the Moscow region.

An Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan, capable of carrying heavy cargo, has landed at the base three times since October 24, with the latest arrival on October 29.

A source close to the Kremlin, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed Russia is resuming flights.

Russia relies on its Syrian bases to extend military influence across the Middle East and Africa. Hmeimim functions as a key logistics hub for operations in Africa, while the port of Tartus provides Moscow with its only Mediterranean naval foothold.

The fall of Assad’s regime nearly a year ago, and his subsequent relocation to Moscow, cast doubt on Russia’s ability to maintain access to these strategic facilities under Syria’s new transitional government led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

Losing either base would represent a major setback for the Kremlin, which remains embroiled in a tense confrontation with the US and European allies nearly four years after President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has engaged with Syria’s new administration, meeting Sharaa twice this year, while Washington and the EU have eased some sanctions against the country.

Russia’s Defence and Foreign Ministries, as well as Syria’s Information Ministry, declined to comment.

Russia wants to keep its military bases in Syria

The Kremlin is keen to retain its military foothold. Putin met with Sharaa in Moscow two weeks ago, with the future of the Russian bases reportedly on the agenda, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov also held talks on October 28 with his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, the Russian Defence Ministry said on its Telegram channel.

Even if Moscow maintains a presence, sources familiar with the matter have suggested it will likely be smaller than before Assad’s ouster. A Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation is in Moscow to reopen the country’s embassy, with plans to resume consular and administrative services, the state-run SANA agency reported.

At the Saudi Arabia Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh on October 29, Sharaa said he would court foreign investors to help rebuild Syria.

Russia has pledged support as Syria emerges from over a decade of civil conflict. “Russia is committed to aiding reconstruction,” Putin said in August during a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.

Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow is ready to cooperate in various areas to that end, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.

By Aghakazim Guliyev