MINSK, 3 November (BelTA) – Minsk National Airport has handled 2 million passengers since the beginning of 2021, Director General of the airport Vyacheslav Khoroneko told a press conference to mark the Civil Aviation Workers' Day, BelTA has learned.
"In early November, we welcomed the 2 millionth passenger. This, of course, is not much compared to 2019, but given a difficult period, this is a great success," said Vyacheslav Khoroneko. The airport broke even at the end of September.
Vyacheslav Khoroneko also spoke about the plans to attract airlines and open new flights. "We are already working with Azimuth Airlines and will welcome a maiden flight from Kaluga on 4 November. Skol Airlines plans to start operating charter flights on a permanent basis from Pskov to Minsk, Smart-Avia Airlines - from St. Petersburg, Samara, Sochi, Murmansk, and Ikar Airlines - from Kaliningrad," he explained.
Vyacheslav Khoroneko added that due to the difficult situation the airport has optimized some departments. The government has the airport provided support in the form of tax deferrals, installments on obligatory payments. In addition, funds have been allocated to prepare for the winter period. "Winter is quite a difficult period for the airport due to the high costs for the runway maintenance, the purchase of chemical agents. We are 100% prepared for winter,” he stated.
Work on the modernization of the airport terminal complex continues. "As of today, the work on the fourth stage has been complete. Earlier we could accommodate 19 flights simultaneously, now - 24 flights. New escalators, lifts have been installed in the airport. The airport together with the Belgosproekt Institute is developing the concept of development of the airport grounds. Three options will be offered for discussion," said Vyacheslav Khoroneko.
