Ural Airlines is reinstating scheduled flights between Moscow and Gelendzhik, following a prolonged suspension and the reopening of Gelendzhik Airport for civil aviation. The carrier’s press office confirmed that operations will resume on July 24, 2025, with twice-weekly flights departing Domodedovo Airport on Thursdays and Sundays. The journey time is approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes, with fares starting at approximately RUB 17,500 (as of publication date, about $190 USD). Travelers from other cities will be able to connect via Moscow, broadening the network’s reach and improving access to the Black Sea resort.
The resumption of air service to Gelendzhik became possible after the airport officially reopened to civil traffic on July 10, 2025. Previously, flights to the region had been suspended since February 2022 due to security restrictions associated with the special military operation. The airport now operates daytime flights from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with a maximum capacity of three flights per hour.
“The restart of flights to Gelendzhik and our plans for network expansion demonstrate the airline’s adaptability to current market conditions and infrastructure capabilities. The reopening of Gelendzhik Airport opens new opportunities for travel to the Black Sea coast, and our technical expertise ensures reliable and high-quality service,” a Ural Airlines spokesperson stated.
A new passenger terminal at Gelendzhik Airport was completed in December 2021. The facility, occupying a one-hectare site, features a 16,700-square-meter terminal building capable of handling up to 891 passengers per hour, with an annual design capacity of 1 million passengers. Investments in the project exceeded RUB 5 billion. The terminal’s modern design is underscored by its 23-meter-tall structure.
The terminal houses 13 check-in counters, including a dedicated station for oversized baggage. Six boarding gates and two baggage claim belts are available for passengers. The parking area accommodates up to 430 vehicles. The entire terminal is fully accessible, providing barrier-free movement for passengers with reduced mobility and those traveling with strollers both inside the building and in the surrounding forecourt.
The terminal’s retail and dining area exceeds 1,800 square meters, featuring food outlets and shops unified by a cohesive architectural style. The selection includes both major national brands and local businesses. Landscaping of the forecourt involved planting approximately 6,000 trees and shrubs. Slope stabilization work was carried out while preserving the rocky terrain, complementing the complex’s overall architectural concept. Parking for 430 vehicles is available in the forecourt.
Gelendzhik Airport features an asphalt-concrete runway measuring 3,100 meters in length and 45 meters in width. These dimensions, combined with advanced radio-navigation infrastructure, allow the airport to accommodate all modern passenger aircraft types—from regional jets such as the SSJ-100 to wide-body long-haul airliners.
In addition to Ural Airlines, Aeroflot will resume daily flights to Gelendzhik starting July 18, and S7 Airlines plans to launch service in August. This coordinated effort among carriers aligns with rising passenger demand and the ongoing restoration of regional transport infrastructure.
Ural Airlines operates a fleet of 51 Airbus A319/320/321 aircraft. This single-type fleet structure ensures high operational efficiency. All aircraft are operated under operating lease agreements and undergo regular maintenance and inspections at the airline’s in-house maintenance facility. The presence of a dedicated technical center enhances fleet readiness and minimizes aircraft downtime, according to the airline’s press office.
Ural Airlines’ network expansion plans for 2025 include increased frequencies and the launch of new routes. The carrier has already boosted service from Yekaterinburg to Makhachkala and expanded international operations to Uzbekistan and China. Domestic destinations—including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, and Mineralnye Vody — remain key priorities for further passenger growth.
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