New Flight-Bus Combo Aims to Ease Travel to Crimea for Distant Russians

Russian travelers from Siberia and the Urals may soon have a smoother path to Crimea. According to Sergey Makovey, chairman of the Crimean Hotel Association, tour operators are preparing to launch charter flights to Krasnodar Airport, followed by connecting bus service to the peninsula.

Makovey explained the plan in a recent radio interview, framing it as a direct response to persistent transportation challenges. While demand for train travel to Crimea remains high, with bookings often outpacing available seats, this new air-and-road corridor is designed to offer an alternative for visitors from far-flung regions.

"Our rail carrier is working to expand its network," Makovey noted, "but we still face a shortage of trains. The demand simply exceeds supply."

The association also anticipates a rise in road tourism by 2026, with many drivers already opting for routes through newer Russian territories. This comes alongside a significant surge in interest for Crimean holidays; data shows bookings for spring and summer 2026 are up 49 percent compared to previous periods. The proposed charter service represents an industry effort to keep pace with this growing demand and improve overall access.