Gelendzhik Airport has officially reopened after a 3.5-year closure, welcoming its first flight from Moscow on July 18. The event marks a significant moment for the resort city, which lacks a railway station, potentially doubling tourist numbers if ticket prices remain reasonable.

The airport will initially operate only domestic flights during daylight hours for safety reasons, specifically between 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM. Several airlines, including Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, and S7 Airlines, have announced the resumption of flights to destinations like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk, with additional routes from Surgut and Tyumen planned for the future.

Passengers expressed their excitement about the airport’s reopening, citing the significant time savings compared to train travel. One passenger mentioned securing a ticket for 7,800 rubles through an application, while others reported paying around 19,000 rubles with baggage included. Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a traditional water salute from fire engines, and some were presented with gifts.

The first arrivals praised the smooth flight and friendly atmosphere, with one passenger noting the absence of turbulence. While passengers appreciated the convenience of the reopened airport, some noted the need for better organized bus services, as taxi fares from the airport range from 300 to 500 rubles.

The newly constructed terminal boasts modern facilities, including 13 check-in counters, six boarding gates, two baggage claim belts, and parking for 430 vehicles. The airport’s runway measures 3,100 meters in length and 45 meters in width, with a terminal area spanning 16,700 square meters, capable of handling up to 891 passengers per hour and over 1 million passengers annually, representing an investment of approximately 6 billion rubles.

Due to high demand for the initial Moscow-Gelendzhik flight, ticket prices fluctuated rapidly, reaching as high as 50,000 rubles for economy class seats and 148,000 rubles for business class. In response, Aeroflot plans to increase the frequency of flights to three daily starting in August. While July ticket prices remain elevated, ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles, Aeroflot offers flights from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport to Gelendzhik starting at 12,000 to 14,000 rubles in August, excluding baggage.

Ural Airlines will commence flights from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport on July 24, with subsequent flights scheduled on Sundays, with ticket prices starting at 17,000 rubles in July and 15,000 rubles in August, excluding baggage. S7 Airlines will launch flights from Novosibirsk on August 7 and from Moscow on August 8, with prices varying depending on the departure date. Smartavia airline will also inaugurate flights from St. Petersburg to Gelendzhik starting August 6, operating twice weekly. Parking at Gelendzhik Airport is free for the first 15 minutes, with a charge of 300 rubles for the first hour.