The BRICS TimesCivil aviation authorities confirm readiness to restart operations at eight southern airports once security clearance is finally granted.
Awaiting Official Approval
Russian aviation officials stated Friday that closed airports are set to open soon. They are waiting for the Defense Ministry to give final approval to resume flights. These hubs closed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Past Suspensions and Progress
Flights at 11 southern and central airports stopped in February 2022. This happened due to safety risks when President Putin sent troops into Ukraine. Since that time, three of those airports have successfully reopened.
Current State of Readiness
Rosaviatsia chief Dmitry Yadrov told TASS the remaining eight hubs are “ready to reopen.” However, he noted that the Defense Ministry must sign off before flights can resume. He emphasized the ongoing communication between the agencies regarding this matter.
Ongoing Discussions
“We’re always in dialogue with the Defense Ministry,” Yadrov said about the situation. Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said this week that preparations are underway. Operations will restart as soon as federal security agencies issue the necessary clearances.
Impact on Regions
The Defense Ministry has not commented on resuming travel yet. This silence affects regions like Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk, plus annexed Crimea. Rosaviatsia has kept staffing at 90% of pre-2022 levels at these southern airports. They also received 11 billion rubles last year to offset losses.
