Isa Giga, 31, previously of Hounslow, west London, was arrested by counter-terror police on Thursday after arriving into the capital on a flight from Turkey.
Giga was later charged with the intention of committing acts of terrorism, engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to his intention, namely travelled to Syria to fight for the “Jaysh Al Fath” groups, the Metropolitan Police said.
He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We have been clear for some time now that should anyone return to the UK whom we suspect of being involved in any terrorist-related activity overseas, then they can expect to be thoroughly investigated.
“We work very closely with other partners and agencies here in the UK and overseas in order to do this and help keep the public safe.”