Russia Resumes Flights to Syria: Strategic Implications for the Middle East
Amid improving diplomatic relations between Syria’s new government and Russia, the Kremlin has restarted flights to the Hmeimim military base, a critical logistical hub in the region.
After nearly six months of suspension, Russian cargo and military aircraft have reappeared over Latakia and nearby areas.
According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, at least two Russian planes arrived at the base on October 26 — the Il-62M transport aircraft, which took off from Libya, and an Antonov An-124 Ruslan, which made three trips to the Latakia airport.
This resumption of flights has been confirmed by anonymous sources close to the Kremlin, as well as by the Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation currently visiting Moscow to restore diplomatic ties.
Syria’s military bases and ports are of immense strategic importance for Russia, enabling influence and military operations in the Middle East and Africa.
The Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus port are crucial logistics centers supporting regional military actions.
Losing any of these would constitute a significant strategic setback for Moscow.
Recent negotiations between Russia and Syria included a high-profile meeting in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and President Bashar al-Assad, focusing on military infrastructure and political stabilization efforts.
Since the new Syrian government’s rise, many sanctions from the EU and the US have been partially lifted, and diplomatic relations with Ukraine have been restored.
Syria now faces multiple challenges: outdated military equipment, shortages of food, and infrastructure destruction threaten the country’s stability and survival.
Understanding how old regional adversaries might become partners in this struggle is vital.
Read more about Russia’s strategic moves in Syria and why the new regime seeks cooperation with former enemies in the article by Anvar Derkach, “Why New Syria Reaches Out to Russia.”