Krasnodar Many people were waiting for the opening of Krasnodar’s airport and are willing to pay any price for the convenience, while for others it creates a new barrier to travel.

Shortly after the opening of Krasnodar International Airport, the Federal Antimonopoly Service announced that it had included the cost of air tickets to the regional capital in its weekly monitoring. How does the increased price become a limiting factor for fully increasing tourist flow, and does the launch of Krasnodar’s airport affect the operation of the Gelendzhik airport?

Last week, the FAS of Russia reminded that upon detecting a significant increase in the cost of economy-class air tickets, the agency analyzes the expenses and revenues of airlines separately for each route.

– If signs of airlines abusing their dominant position are identified, including unjustified price increases, the service will promptly take response measures, – the FAS press service reported.

In addition to Krasnodar, 150 tourist routes were included in the agency’s weekly monitoring.

Requests Doubled

Recall that on September 11, after a three-year break, Krasnodar’s airport opened. The first plane was received by the airport on September 17. The opening of the airport has already created a powerful news story and awakened interest in the Kuban capital.

– According to data, in the first 24 hours alone, the number of search queries for accommodation in the city increased by 107% compared to the same indicator the previous week, – a speaker notes. – Here, simplified logistics became a key driver of demand. Some passengers who previously traveled via the airports of Sochi and Mineralnye Vody will now fly directly through Krasnodar. This will relieve neighboring airports and also allow residents of Krasnodar and nearby regions, for example, the Rostov region, to save travel time. Now residents of Krasnodar can fly to Moscow in three and a half hours. Previously, including the trip to the airport via Sochi, the journey took from eight hours, and via Mineralnye Vody – from ten.

It is noted that in the perspective of 5-10 years, the operational airport will allow Krasnodar to strengthen its status as a multimodal transport hub.

– The combination of «airport + railway + roads» will allow for the creation of comprehensive tourist products: fly to Krasnodar – take a train to Sochi or a bus to Gelendzhik, – an expert comments.

In general, speakers agree: the Krasnodar airport will have a significant impact on the development of the entire tourist ecosystem of southern Russia. This includes the MICE tourism segment, whose main audience is business circles.

– As passenger traffic stabilizes (it is forecasted that in the foreseeable future Krasnodar could account for 2-3% of the total Russian passenger traffic) and international service is restored, the airport will attract new carriers, including foreign ones, – it is stated.

Increased Control and Competition

At the same time, the increased cost of air tickets has become a limiting factor for fully utilizing the new opportunities. This problem has become relevant not only for tourists but also for business and the regional economy as a whole.

– The increase in air ticket prices negatively affects tourist demand, especially among the budget-conscious segment. Some travelers are forced to reduce the frequency of their trips or choose alternative destinations with more affordable transport, – says a professional traveler. – However, for the segment of tourists with high income levels, the impact of the price factor is less critical.

In general, the increased cost of air tickets, according to observations, certainly affects demand, not in favor of the tourism industry. The market reacts to the price barrier, but does so by reducing the quality and duration of vacations, which in the long term harms almost all interested parties.

– There are several prospects for solving the problem, – a parliamentarian comments. – Among them – increased control by the FAS is already happening, and this is correct. It is necessary not only to respond to price gouging but also to introduce preventive mechanisms: for example, price corridors for socially important routes during peak periods. Simultaneously, steps should be taken to stimulate competition through subsidizing new airlines, allocating slots for low-cost carriers, and developing charter programs. The development of alternative modes of transport, such as the high-speed

Krasnodar International Airport

Krasnodar International Airport (Pashkovsky) is a major air hub in southern Russia, serving the Krasnodar Krai region. It was originally opened in the 1960s and has since undergone significant modernization, including a new international terminal in 2011. The airport is a key gateway for tourists traveling to popular destinations on the Black Sea coast, such as Sochi.

Gelendzhik airport

Gelendzhik Airport is a domestic airport located on the Black Sea coast in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. It was originally built as a military airfield and opened for civilian flights in 2010. The airport serves as a major gateway for tourists visiting the popular resort city of Gelendzhik.

Sochi airport

Sochi International Airport, originally opened in 1945, is the primary airport serving the resort city of Sochi on the Black Sea coast. It was significantly modernized and expanded in the years leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympics to handle the influx of international visitors. Today, it serves as a major gateway to the popular tourist region of Krasnodar Krai.

Mineralnye Vody airport

Mineralnye Vody International Airport (MRV) is a major aviation hub in southern Russia, serving the popular spa resorts of the North Caucasus region, including the nearby cities of Pyatigorsk and Yessentuki. It was originally built in the 1920s and has since been significantly modernized to handle international flights, playing a vital role in the area’s tourism industry.

Kuban capital

The term «Kuban capital» refers to the city of Krasnodar, Russia. Founded in 1793 by the Black Sea Cossacks, it was originally named Yekaterinodar («Catherine’s Gift») in honor of Empress Catherine the Great. Today, it serves as the major administrative, cultural, and economic center of the Kuban region.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with a history dating back to its founding in 1147. It has long been the political and economic heart of the nation, symbolized by the iconic Kremlin, a historic fortress that serves as the official residence of the President. The city is also a major cultural center, renowned for landmarks like St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Bolshoi Theatre.

Rostov region

The Rostov region in southern Russia is historically significant as the heart of the Don Cossack Host, a semi-autonomous warrior community that guarded the empire’s frontiers. Its capital, Rostov-on-Don, was founded in 1749 and became a major commercial and industrial hub, playing a crucial role during World War II. Today, the region is known for its rich agricultural land and vibrant Cossack cultural traditions.

southern Russia

Southern Russia is a vast geographic and cultural region bordering the Caucasus Mountains and the Black and Caspian Seas. Historically, it has been a crossroads of civilizations, from ancient Greek colonies and the Mongol Golden Horde to the powerful Muslim khanate of Crimea. The region was gradually incorporated into the Russian Empire from the 18th century onward, leading to its diverse modern population of ethnic Russians and numerous indigenous Caucasian groups.