There are rumors that Assad spends most of his time at sea:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/assad-and-family-said-to-be-living-on-a-warship/
http://www.timesofisrael.com/assad-and-family-said-to-be-living-on-a-warship/
"government airships?" are you sure that isn't a steampunk story masquerading as news?
I've heard 'gunship' used in that way. I've never heard 'airship' refer to anything other than a lighter than air dirigible.
And what possible motive does Russia have to protect him? If he's not the ruler of Syria anymore, what use is he to them? Does Russia have the budget to maintain a 'cordon' of warships smack in the middle of the mediterranean sea? This whole article seems to be suspect.