The Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, has announced that 11 airports in southern and central Russia, which had seen flights suspended since February 2022, are now seeking military approval to resume operations. Three of these airports have already been reopened, signaling potential progress in restoring air travel infrastructure.
The suspension of flights at these airports was a direct response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, part of broader measures to secure the nation’s borders and limit external movement. With three airports already reopened, the government is signaling a gradual easing of these restrictions, but the process remains tied to military oversight, underscoring the complex interplay between defense and civilian infrastructure.
Industry analysts suggest that the decision to permit partial reopening reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing national security with economic and logistical needs. However, the broader implications of restoring air traffic in conflict-affected regions remain a subject of debate, particularly as international sanctions and geopolitical tensions continue to shape the evolving landscape of Russia’s aviation sector.