Officials in Krasnodar have indicated that Pashkovsky International Airport could resume operations as early as February, signaling a return to regular passenger service after a prolonged closure. The statement came from Vera Galushko, chairwoman of Krasnodar’s City Duma, and was relayed by the local news outlet Kuban 24. The region is moving cautiously, awaiting formal authorization from the responsible federal authorities before restarting flights.
The pause at Krasnodar Pashkovsky began in February 2022 amid the wider regional crisis. Since then, regional administrators have worked to meet safety, technical, and logistical requirements so the airport can again handle passenger traffic. The Federal Air Transport Agency is the key body for granting the necessary aviation permissions, and officials say they are aligned with those requirements as they wait for the official green light.
As part of the revival plan, a daylight flight route between Krasnodar and Istanbul is under consideration. This proposal would establish a direct, daytime service that could help reestablish international connectivity for the Krasnodar region and facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchange with Turkey. The plan reflects a broader strategy to expand regional air links once the airport resumes operations.
Earlier in December, Krasnodar Pashkovsky Airport completed a successful test flight program that signaled readiness for civilian use. Airport staff have been preparing terminal and airside operations, training crews, and coordinating with air traffic controllers to ensure a smooth restart. The test activities were designed to verify systems, procedures, and safety standards in advance of full-scale commercial operations, a standard step for reactivating facilities after a shutdown.
A recent flight departed Krasnodar without passengers and returned to Mineralnye Vody, illustrating the ongoing, controlled process of reintroducing air services. This kind of non-revenue flight helps validate routing, ground handling, and crew readiness while authorities assess broader restoration plans for the airport. Analysts note that the timing depends on regulatory approvals, weather, and the readiness of supporting infrastructure to handle passenger volume. The overall goal remains to restore Krasnodar’s air gateway with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficient service for travelers and local businesses alike.