ISTANBUL

Russia reopened the Krasnodar Airport on Thursday, more than three years after suspending operations in late February 2022 due to safety concerns stemming from Moscow’s war with Ukraine, according to the Transport Ministry.

It said the airport resumed servicing flights at 9 am Moscow time (0600GMT), with both terminals, special equipment and the airfield in full operational readiness.

“Flight safety issues were addressed by an interdepartmental working group formed under the Federal Air Transport Agency, and the possibility of flights to Krasnodar was confirmed by specialists,” it said.

Krasnodar, located in southern Russia near the Black Sea coast, was one of several airports closed shortly after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

During the suspension, airport staff continued training at the Sochi Airport, and infrastructure upgrades were carried out, including repairs to taxiways, terminal facades and parking areas.

The reopening is expected to improve accessibility to resort areas along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and expand travel options for residents and businesses in the region, according to the ministry.​​​​​​​