Expert opinion: conditions for returning to operation of airports in southern Russia. In Crimea too

At the end of last year, the reopening of Krasnodar airport was announced. On December 14, 2023, during a direct line and press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the possibility of opening this airport, but subject to security. On January 18, 2024, Krasnodar authorities did not rule out that the international airport in the city could be opened as early as February. However, the final decision on opening Krasnodar airport for civil flights has not yet been made.

There are two components here: to what extent are aviation authorities, aviation service providers, and, of course, the airport operator itself ready to resume flights, and is there permission from law enforcement agencies. In the first part, everything has been done to ensure that all airports that have been suspended can restore their operational activities relatively quickly. <…> Everything is at a stage where it is possible to return to normal activities relatively quicklysaid the agency’s interlocutor.

He added that it is now necessary to obtain permission from security forces for security measures, including the Krasnodar airport, which cannot resume operations due to a potential threat from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Flight safety is always the first priority,” Panteleev emphasized.