Expansion of air travel to Gelendzhik leads to a doubling of tourist numbers
After a three-year hiatus, Gelendzhik Airport is set to reopen its doors on July 10, 2025, marking the resumption of commercial flights following a suspension since February 2022 due to the military operation in Ukraine. This long-awaited announcement has sparked excitement among travellers and industry experts, who predict a significant increase in tourist numbers.
Aeroflot will lead the relaunch, with twice-daily flights from Moscow commencing mid-July. The frequency of these flights is expected to increase, with daily flights starting from July 25, and a second daily flight added in early August, continuing through mid-September. The airport's infrastructure is also undergoing an update, with plans for completion by the end of 2025, which should enhance capacity and operations.
Gelendzhik, a popular domestic resort destination on the Black Sea coast, is expected to see high demand for these flights. Alexander Bragin, Director of the Association of Tourist Aggregators, anticipates a 35-45% increase in bookings in the second half of the summer and in September.
Experts predict a smooth redistribution of passenger traffic, which will significantly reduce the load on Sochi Airport. In fact, only the airport in Elista has reopened so far, in May 2024. Apart from Gelendzhik and Elista, 11 airports in southern Russia have been closed for security reasons since the start of the military operation in 2022.
Sergei Romashkin, Vice-President of ATOR and General Director of the tour operator "Delfin", forecasts that by the end of 2025, the Gelendzhik airport may receive up to 120-160 thousand tourists. However, the actual number of bookings will depend on the level of airfare and accommodation prices.
Despite the promising forecasts, many Russians have already planned their summer holidays and paid for transport or accommodation in other directions. Alexander Bragin notes that the number of bookings may increase significantly due to the opening of the airport, provided that airfare prices are at the level of Sochi or lower.
In conclusion, the reopening of Gelendzhik Airport is set to boost tourism in the region, with experts predicting a significant increase in tourist numbers. The exact forecasts are not publicly specified, but a smooth redistribution of passenger traffic and the anticipated demand for travel to Gelendzhik suggest a promising future for the resort destination.
Travelers and industry experts are anticipating a 35-45% increase in bookings for the popular domestic resort destination, Gelendzhik, following the reopening of its airport on July 10, 2025. The relaunch and frequent flights from Moscow, coupled with the expected upgrade of the airport's infrastructure, are expected to enhance the region's lifestyle and general-news with increased tourist numbers, a smooth redistribution of passenger traffic, and the potential for up to 120-160 thousand tourists by the end of 2025.
