Airlines to reduce number of flights to Crimea this summer
Russian carriers reduce flight programs to the peninsula by a quarter compared to the summer season of 2017. This is reported by Kommersant, referring to the Transport Clearing Chamber.
This summer, airlines delivered 2.1 million passenger seats Simferopol against 2.7 million in 2017. The most serious reductions occurred at Ural Airlines: minus 187,000 seats or 39%. The Red Wings program was reduced by 64,000 seats (27%) and Aeroflot by 51,000 (14%).
Experts explain the serious reduction of flight programs to the peninsula for three reasons.
First, the Crimean Bridge was opened. Carriers reduced the number of flights, realizing that some tourists will be reoriented to land transport. The bridge is extremely convenient for vacationers from the south: you can get to the Crimea from the extreme point of continental Russia in 15-20 minutes.
The second reason is the increase in the cost of fuel and the increase in tariffs at the airport of Simferopol from June 1 led to the fact that airlines feel unprofitable flights. Carriers emphasize that the cost of servicing flights in this direction has increased by almost 50% and is approaching a “threatening critical” point.
The third reason is the departure of VIM-Avia. In the summer, the airline delivered 180,000 seats in the Crimean direction. In 2018, their volumes were not replaced by anyone.