Krasnodar Safety concerns are the primary factor in decisions regarding the reopening of airports in Gelendzhik and Crimea, stated a spokesperson for the Russian government.

«This is not our prerogative; it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport, our military, and specialized agencies. The main aspect under consideration is safety—ensuring the security of flights and passengers. That is the top priority. Once the conditions are met, operations will resume, including in Crimea,» the spokesperson said.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Transport announced that Gelendzhik Airport, closed since February 2022, may soon resume domestic flights. The Federal Air Transport Agency clarified that the airport is ready to receive civilian aircraft starting July 10, with regular flights operating between 08:30 and 20:00 Moscow time.

Restrictions on airport operations remain in effect in Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, and Simferopol.

Gelendzhik

Gelendzhik is a picturesque resort town on Russia’s Black Sea coast, known for its scenic beaches, mild climate, and lush greenery. Founded in 1831 as a military outpost, it later became a popular spa destination in the late 19th century. Today, it attracts tourists with its waterfront promenade, historic sites like the Gelendzhik Lighthouse (1897), and nearby natural attractions such as the Dolmen culture megaliths.

Crimea

Crimea is a peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea, known for its strategic importance, diverse cultures, and scenic landscapes. It has been ruled by various powers, including the Greeks, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Russians, and was part of the Soviet Union before being transferred to Ukraine in 1954. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, a move widely condemned by the international community, leading to ongoing political tensions. The region is also home to historic sites like the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus and the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisaray.

Anapa

Anapa is a coastal town in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, located on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century BCE, it later became a Genoese trade outpost and an Ottoman fortress before being annexed by Russia in the early 19th century. Today, it is a popular seaside resort known for its sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and therapeutic mud spas.

Belgorod

Belgorod is a historic city in southwestern Russia, near the border with Ukraine, founded in 1596 as a fortress to defend the southern frontiers of the Russian state. Known for its role in World War II, particularly the Battle of Kursk (1943), it was heavily damaged but later rebuilt. Today, Belgorod is a cultural and educational center, featuring landmarks like the Smolensky Cathedral and the Belgorod State Art Museum.

Bryansk

Bryansk is a historic city in western Russia, near the border with Belarus, known for its role as a key industrial and military center during World War II. Founded in 985, it has a rich history tied to medieval Slavic tribes and later became part of the Chernigov Principality. Today, Bryansk is recognized for its cultural heritage, including monuments, churches, and its significance in Russia’s wartime history.

Voronezh

Voronezh is a historic city in southwestern Russia, founded in 1586 as a fortress to protect the southern borders of the Russian state. It played a key role in the development of Russia’s navy under Peter the Great, who built the country’s first regular fleet here in the late 17th century. Today, Voronezh is a major cultural and industrial center, known for its universities, theaters, and landmarks like the Admiralty Square, commemorating its naval heritage.

Krasnodar

Krasnodar is a major city in southern Russia, founded in 1793 as Yekaterinodar (named after Catherine the Great) and later renamed in 1920. Located on the Kuban River, it serves as the cultural and economic center of the Kuban region, known for its Cossack heritage, vibrant arts scene, and agricultural significance. Key historical sites include the Krasnodar Regional Museum and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, reflecting its imperial and Soviet-era past.

Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don is a major city in southern Russia, founded in 1749 as a customs post and later growing into a key trade and transportation hub near the Don River. Known for its vibrant culture, the city blends Russian and Cossack heritage, with landmarks like the Rostov Cathedral and the scenic Don Embankment. Today, it serves as an important economic and cultural center in the region.