Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA) in central Russia requested permission to grant foreign airlines the fifth “freedom of the air,” allowing them to make commercial transit landings when flying between their home countries and a third destination.
The airport’s press service, quoted by Interfax, explained that this move would boost transit passenger traffic, especially from Central Asian carriers, by offering them an opportunity to add capacity where Russian airlines face aircraft shortages.
“Thanks to the fifth freedom, it will be possible to carry out tourist trips to Asian resorts, taking into account the possible reduction of flights by Russian airlines,” the airport explained. “And if foreign companies are granted the “open skies” regime, it will be possible to carry out flights, for example, Astana – Krasnoyarsk – Phuket.”
In 2023, international traffic through Krasnoyarsk increased by 44%, reaching 584,000 passengers, with Central Asia being the primary source. According to the airport, the potential growth of international traffic by 2030 could double with the opening of the fifth freedom.
Permission from the Russian Ministry of Transport and Aviation authorities is required to implement the plan; discussions are reportedly already in progress.