The latest travel update from Sochi concerns a flight operated by Uzbekistan Airlines on a route to Fergana. The information, reported by TASS through the press service of the international airport in the resort city, confirms that the Uzbekistan Airlines aircraft departed Sochi airport at 03:10 Moscow time on February 18, following the published schedule.
Earlier communications from the airport indicated that the Sochi to Fergana service would operate weekly, with departures on Sundays. The aircraft serving this route is the Airbus A320, configured to carry up to 186 passengers, and the estimated flight time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes. A two hour time difference separates Sochi and Fergana, affecting arrival times for travelers.
In another development, Regular flights between Uzbekistan, Russia, and China resumed on January 10 after a three year pause caused by the coronavirus outbreak. This revival marks renewed air connectivity in the region and is noted by officials as part of broader efforts to restore international travel links. [Source: TASS]
During February, remarks from Vsevolod Tkachenko, the director of the African Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, indicated that discussions with representatives of African nations addressed opening new flight routes. The aim is to expand aviation exchanges and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties through improved air transport. [Source: Russian Foreign Ministry]
On February 17, changes affected a flight from Moscow to Istanbul. The aircraft was redirected to Sheremetyevo due to smoke onboard, an incident reported by the airline and airport authorities involved. [Source: official statements]
Separately, a prior flight to Sochi was postponed due to a medical incident in Makhachkala involving a passenger with high blood pressure, necessitating adjustments to on-board service and scheduling. [Source: airport notices]
On February 16, a passenger on a Dubai to Moscow flight experienced hallucinations that disrupted the journey and required crew intervention to ensure safety and calm among travelers. Such events are rare but underscore the importance of onboard protocols and medical preparedness during international air travel. [Source: airline communications]
There has also been discussion in recent months about potential aviation policy changes within the Russian Federation, including considerations related to seating policies for families on certain flights. These topics illustrate ongoing debates about passenger management and safety on domestic and international routes. [Source: regulatory briefings]