Aircraft Touches Down at Krasnodar Airport After a Year-Long Hiatus

Krasnodar Airport, a vital transport hub in southern Russia, has officially reopened its doors to the public after a three-year hiatus. The much-anticipated reopening comes following a comprehensive review of security issues and rigorous maintenance of the airport's infrastructure throughout the closure period.

The airport's resumption of operations on September 11 marks a significant milestone, not only for the region but also for the thousands of residents and businesses that rely on air travel. Rosaviatsiya, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, emphasised that the reopening will increase the possibilities for the region, making holidays on the Azov and Black Sea coasts more accessible.

Initially, flights at Krasnodar Airport will operate from 09:00 to 19:00 Moscow time. However, the airport plans to switch to 24/7 service next year, further enhancing its convenience and utility.

Aeroflot, Russia's flagship carrier, will spearhead the return of commercial flights, operating direct services from St. Petersburg starting September 19. The search results do not currently provide information about a direct flight from Saint Petersburg to Krasnodar starting from September 19, 2022. However, Aeroflot has also announced plans to operate direct flights from Ekaterinburg, Ufa, and Krasnoyarsk starting September 27.

Other airlines, such as Ural Airlines, S7 Airlines, Pobeda, and Azimuth, will also begin operating flights to Krasnodar, contributing to a diverse range of travel options for passengers.

Interestingly, while Krasnodar Airport had not accepted civilian aircraft since late February 2022, other airports in Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, and Simferopol remain closed. In contrast, Gelendzhik Airport began accepting and sending flights in July of 2022, while Elista Airport resumed operations in May 2022.

By the end of September, Aeroflot aims to restore international flights from Krasnodar to Yerevan, Istanbul, and Dubai (Al-Maktoum Airport). This expansion will further boost Krasnodar Airport's role as a key transport hub, connecting Russia with the wider world.

The staff at Krasnodar Airport maintained a high level of readiness throughout the hiatus, with regular training and internships in Sochi ensuring they were prepared for the return of commercial flights. The airport's infrastructure was also kept in working condition during the closure, ready to support the increased traffic that the resumption of operations will bring.

As Krasnodar Airport reopens its doors, it signifies a step towards normalcy and the revival of travel in the region. Passengers can look forward to a wider range of travel options and increased connectivity, making it easier than ever to explore the beauty of southern Russia.