The Russian transport minister laid out a detailed plan for the upcoming peak season, aiming to move about 3 million passengers to Crimea between spring and autumn. This projection came during a discussion with the country’s president in the Kremlin, signaling a concerted effort to expand travel options to the peninsula. The goal emphasizes stronger regional connectivity and a smoother flow of travelers during the warmer months, aligning with broader national transport objectives.
In line with the plan, the railway sector is set to increase its capacity to Crimea, with the number of trains scheduled to rise to 22 for the season. Additionally, the fleet will undergo modernization, including the withdrawal of around 400 passenger cars as part of a fleet renewal strategy designed to improve reliability and safety on key routes.
The minister noted that the national airline network is also expected to broaden its schedule and route map this summer. This expansion aims to provide more destinations, improved frequencies, and greater accessibility for travelers across the country, reflecting a push to diversify air travel options and reduce seasonal bottlenecks.
Alongside land transport, the inland waterway sector is preparing for the summer timetable that begins in late March. Officials forecast that nearly 9.5 million passengers will be transported by waterways during this period, underscoring the role of rivers and canals as a viable complement to rail and air travel in the national transport mix.
There was also discussion at the highest levels about long‑standing arguments regarding the scale of domestic aircraft procurement. The focus has been on ensuring a robust, domestically produced fleet capable of meeting growing demand and reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Earlier directives called for co-financing initiatives to upgrade the civilian aircraft fleet using national wealth funds. This approach aims to accelerate modernization, expand domestic capacity, and support long‑term reliability in civil aviation while aligning with broader strategic economic policies.