The airport was occupied by terrorists in 2013 and liberated by Syrian forces with Russian air support in February 2017, and has 12 aircraft hangars and a runway almost three kilometers long.

Syrian and Russian technicians and specialists restored the lighting equipment of the runway at the aerodrome, making it suitable for all types of aircraft, while the control tower was equipped with modern communication and control systems.

Also, over nine kilometers of fortifications were restored, ground protection and airfield defense were organized, and Pantsir S1 and Buk air defense systems were deployed.

The reopening of the air base included a solemn ceremony attended by Syrian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ali Mahmud Abbas and the commander of the group of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria, Colonel General Andrei Serdiukov, and other senior commanders.

There was also a joint parade of the Russian forces and the special troops of the 25th division of the Syrian army, commanded by Major General Suheil Al-Hasan.

An air parade was also held in which helicopters and combat planes participated and a parachute landing was carried out.

Russia has deployed troops in Syria since 2015 at the request of Damascus government in order to help Syria in fighting terrorist groups.

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