Krasnodar, 23 September – Yug Times. After a three-year closure, Krasnodar International Airport reopened on 11 September, with its first flight carried out on 17 September.
The relaunch is expected to boost the city’s role as a multimodal hub and ease pressure on airports in Sochi and Mineralnye Vody. Demand surged immediately: searches for accommodation rose by 107% in a day. The airport offers faster links to Moscow and could support long-term growth in tourism and business travel, including the MICE sector. However, high ticket prices quickly became a barrier. Fares average around 16,000 roubles one way, driven by strong demand and limited capacity.
The Federal Antimonopoly Service has begun weekly monitoring to prevent unjustified increases. Experts suggest costs will stabilize as more carriers, including potential foreign airlines, enter the market. Meanwhile, tour operators are planning charters to Antalya, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The airport’s daytime operating hours (9:00–19:00) may still restrict supply, sustaining pressure on prices. While Sochi and Min eralnye Vody are expected to lose some routes to Krasnodar, Gelendzhik remains unaffected, serving mainly seasonal leisure travel.
Overall, the re-opening is seen as a milestone for southern Russia’s transport and tourism, though affordability remains a pressing challenge.
За всеми важными новостями следите в MAX, Telegram, во «ВКонтакте», «Одноклассниках», YouTube и на Rutube
