A new runway in the Minsk National Airport was solemnly inaugurated on 3 May. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the ceremony. Belarusian companies built the runway, with the estimated cost of the project close to $200 million. Aleksandr Lukashenko was made familiar with capabilities of the new runway in late April. The Belarus president's aircraft used the runway to leave Minsk for China back then. The aircraft used the new runway to land upon returning to the country, too.