Moscow: Russia’s transport authorities have announced the reopening of Gelendzhik Airport in southern Russia, which has remained closed since the onset of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.

The airport, situated on the Black Sea coast roughly 100 kilometres from Crimea, was among several regional airports shut down for safety reasons. The closures came amid a surge in aerial offensives involving drones and missiles near the Ukrainian border.

According to the Russian transport ministry, Gelendzhik Airport is now deemed safe to resume domestic operations. "The airport is one of 11 airports in southern Russia that have not accepted aircraft since 2022 for safety reasons. The airport is scheduled to open for domestic flights in the near future," the ministry said in a statement.

Ukrainian airspace remains fully closed due to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported on Wednesday that Russia had launched its largest aerial offensive to date, firing over 700 drones and missiles across its territory overnight.

The Rosaviatsia federal aviation agency said flights could resume from Thursday, with flag carrier Aeroflot saying it would launch Moscow-Gelendzhik flights from 18 July.

The agency said the airport will be operational only during daylight, from 8.30 am (0530 GMT) to 8.00 pm local time.

AFP