Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Syria has reached out to the European Union for help as wildfires continue to rage across the coastal countryside of Latakia, prompting widespread evacuations. Raed Al Saleh, the Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, announced that aircraft from Cyprus may soon join the firefighting efforts, alongside teams from Turkey and Jordan, which are already assisting on the ground. Lebanon has also contributed by sending aircraft to support the operation.
As of now, sixteen planes are actively working to combat the fires, and the number of aircraft involved is expected to rise to twenty. So far, twenty-five families have been evacuated from their homes in Al Ghassaniya village, located in the Ras Al Basit district of Latakia, with the situation continuing to worsen.
Challenges in Combating the Fires
The combination of strong winds, rugged terrain, and the presence of unexploded ordnance in the region is severely complicating firefighting efforts. Mr. Al Saleh reported that around 14,000 hectares of land are currently engulfed in flames. The fire continues to spread through the Ras Al Basit area, according to the state-run SANA news agency.
Meanwhile, Noureddine Al Baba, the spokesman for the Interior Ministry, confirmed that several people have been arrested under suspicion of involvement in starting the fires. Authorities are actively investigating the causes of the blaze to determine whether it was intentionally set. The ministry has stated that any confirmed involvement will be publicly announced once investigations are complete.
A Growing Crisis in Syria’s Coastal Region
The Latakia, Baniyas, and Tartus governorates are facing a rapidly expanding wildfire crisis, which has ravaged Syria’s most fertile and green areas. This coastal region contains roughly 4,000 square kilometers of Syria’s green space, approximately 2% of the nation’s total land area. This part of the country has always been an agricultural heartland, particularly before the Syrian Civil War disrupted much of the nation’s infrastructure and environment.
Unfortunately, decades of illegal logging, unlicensed construction, and farming—especially during the 13-year civil conflict—have significantly weakened Syria’s forests, leaving them more vulnerable to fires. As the country struggles with one of the worst droughts in recent history, the situation has grown more dire. Syria, once a significant regional wheat producer, is now a wheat importer due to water scarcity, worsened by illegal water well use that has depleted essential underground reservoirs.
What This Means for Syria and the Region
The ongoing fires are not just an environmental disaster but also a humanitarian crisis. The wildfires have displaced families, affected vital agricultural land, and threatened the country’s already fragile infrastructure. For many Syrians, these fires add to an already overwhelming set of challenges that include economic instability, the continuing civil conflict, and the impacts of climate change.
The international response to the crisis, including aid from neighboring countries and now a request for European support, highlights the growing regional and global awareness of Syria’s environmental struggles. As Syria fights both the fire and the ongoing challenges of drought, political instability, and climate change, it is clear that global cooperation will be critical in the coming years to address these multifaceted crises.
Consequences of the Wildfires in Syria: Impact on Flight, Transportation, and Tourism
For now, the focus remains on containing the fires and providing relief to displaced families, but this crisis also calls attention to the broader environmental and humanitarian challenges that the country continues to face.
The present wildfires in Syria, more particularly in the Latakia region, have not only affected the environment but also travel, transport, and tourism in the region. As more and more regions are being engulfed by wildfires, infrastructures of transportation are also suffering immensely, which has compounded the already difficult situation in Syria.
While ground travel and regional infrastructures have carried most of the impacts of wildfires, air travel also has suffered indirectly.
Restricted Access to Airports: Though Syrian airports remain available, closure of domestic roads and train services persists, impacting travelers’ access to airports. This has resulted in flight delays for travelers who intend to enter or leave Syria.
Cancellations and Delays of Flights: Flights to and from Damascus and Aleppo may have cancellations or delays due to reduced visibility caused by the smoke, which will mainly occur above fire-affected regions. Though there isn’t a direct implication of mass-scale cancellations, constant vigil about fire hazards around transport hubs also exists.
Spillover to Neighboring Countries: As airport access for Syrians has been disrupted, travelers have considered flying to other neighboring countries including Lebanon, Jordan, or Turkey, which will further burden those countries’ airports.
Transportation Disruptions: There have also been severe land transport disruptions, both domestically and for overseas travel, due to wildfires. Some of the most significant effects are:
Closed Road and Traffic Congestion: Some of the roads in Latakia area have been closed due to fire, and, therefore, travelers have fewer options when deciding on how to reach their destinations. Fire-damaged areas in Latakia and Tartus have suffered serious traffic congestion, and access to some of the roads has even been completely cut off by flames and debris. Travelers who are headed to or from Marseille and Tartus via road are facing severe congestion, more so given that fire front is moving towards ports of Marseille.
Suspended Trains: Trains have also been affected by the wildfires, more so in regions where there are wildfires that have engulfed regions near train lines. France’s national train operator, SNCF, confirmed that train services to and from Tartus and Marseille have either been suspended or are operating on a low scale. For tourists or travelers who plan to reach such regions by train, it’s also worth staying updated about travel status in real-time to save on long detours.
Restrictive Access to Mass Media: Interference with public transport services in affected areas, including buses and taxis, is also one of the challenges that tourists have experienced. Access to public transport in Marseille has also been interfered with, consequently decreasing travel options for bus or local travelers. Impacted travelers are forced to take more time and precautions to travel to their designated areas.
Impact on Tourism and Regional Economy: The wildfires that have devastated one of Syria’s most tourism-friendly regions are impacting tourism, one of the most important industries in local economies, severely. There are several impacts that have been caused by these wildfires on tourism:
Safety Evacuations: Various areas in Latakia, Baniyas, and Tartus have been evacuated, including villages around the fire. Though they are not major international tourism sites, local accommodation for tourists and tour operators has also been disrupted by the fires. Tourists who are already there are being evacuated for reasons of safety, and most of the tourism operators have cancelled pending or future trips in these regions.
Tourism in Unsafe Areas: While ecotourism and cultural tourism have long drawn people to Latakia, wildfires have scorched some of Syria’s greenbelt areas. Wildfires are killing off the forests where wildlife and vegetation once attracted people seeking nature-focused travel. This will have a negative effect on ecotourism and outdoor adventure travel to Syria.
Cultural Sites and Heritage Destruction: One of Syria’s future industries includes that of cultural tourism, and there have been locations in Latakia that have attracted tourists who are interested in their ancient Roman architecture or Mediterranean beaches. However, there are flames that threaten sites of a cultural kind, some of which will potentially sustain damages if they continue to spread. Historical sites and national park loss might lead to long-term declines in tourism.
Decline in International Tourism: So long as there are wildfires, international tourists will probably reassess visiting Syria, even in the distant future. As if travel restrictions due to the ongoing civil war were not deterring tourists, it will now also become hard for Syria to lure tourists if such natural hazards are becoming regular.
Air Quality and Toxic Smoke: One of the major impacts of the wildfires will include air pollution, which will make outdoor activities unsafe. Toxic smoke and airborne particulate matter will pose hazards to travelers’ health, including people suffering from breathing problems. There will also be health advisories, warning of long-term exposure to air quality and urging people to stay indoors.
Long-Term Environment Impact: The environmental impact of the fires can persist long after they are extinguished. Destruction of forests and natural habitats will have a long-term contribution to wildlife and the local economy that relies on nature tourism. Long-term restoration of burned areas can include government support and outside aid.
Disruptions Due to Wildfires in Latakia (July 9, 2025)
Following is a table of flight cancellations, road closures, and tourism impacts due to ongoing wildfires in Latakia, Syria:
| Category | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Cancellations | Damascus International Airport – No confirmed cancellations, but delays are possible. | Passengers should expect possible delays or disruptions in flight schedules. |
| Road Closures | M1 Motorway (Latakia to Homs) – Closed due to wildfire activity. | Major travel disruption between coastal and inland areas of Syria. |
| Local Roads in Latakia Governorate – Closed, especially in Ras Al Basit and Al Ghassaniya. | Local transportation disrupted, making it difficult for residents and tourists to move freely. | |
| Tourism Impact | Evacuations in Al Ghassaniya village due to proximity to wildfires. | Tourism activities and local businesses in affected areas have been severely disrupted. |
| Damage to Ecotourism Areas – Natural attractions and green space heavily impacted. | Decreased tourism potential in Latakia due to damage to natural and cultural sites. | |
| Public Transportation | SNCF Train Services – Canceled and delayed due to the proximity of the fire near tracks. | Train travel disrupted in the Latakia region, affecting connections to major cities. |
Key Points
- Passengers are advised to stay aware of current disruptions and flight status through official sources such as Syria’s Ministry of Transport and SANA news agency.
- Public transport and road access will also continue to be severely impacted until the situation comes under full control.
- Tourist activities are low due to wildfires that have been burning popular sites in Latakia, which enjoys natural charm and historical significance.
Conclusion
The Syrian wildfires, and more generally those in Tartus and Latakia regions, have also brought about unprecedented travel, transport, and tourism disruption. Airport disruptions, train cancellations, and evacuations have all happened, and tourists are increasingly struggling to access the region. This has also had a negative influence on regional tourism economy, which affects ecotourism and culture tourism based on regional natural and archeological attractions. For travelers who plan on visiting Syria or its surroundings, they should always have access to latest travel advisory updates, flight cancellations, and local security threats. As circumstances continue to evolve, international cooperation and humanitarian aid will take center stage in reducing misery and ensuring that residents and tourists are protected.
