Kaliningrad and Apatity found new connections as the first direct flights from the westernmost region of Russia to the Kola Peninsula commenced on January 31, 2025. Operated by the airline "Russia," this new route will provide residents of Kaliningrad easy access to one of the country's premier ski resorts.
The inaugural flight landed at the "Khibiny" airport, marking the beginning of regular service, which will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays. These flights are expected to significantly boost tourism to the ski resort "Bolshoy Vudyavr," renowned for its exceptional skiing conditions and long winter season.
Andrey Chibis, the Governor of the Murmansk region, expressed enthusiasm for the new flights, saying, "Now Kaliningrad residents have the opportunity to discover the beauty of the Kola Peninsula and our ski resort 'Bolshoy Vudyavr.'" This sentiment reflects the broader aim of enhancing the regional appeal as more residents can visit during the peak winter months.
Yan Burg, the General Director of the airline "Russia," also remarked on the significance of this launch, stating, "I am very happy with the opening of the new flight, which will allow residents of the Kaliningrad region to reach the unique ski resort with the longest season—from November to May." This connection provides travelers with options and opens up opportunities for winter recreation.
Passengers on the first flight shared their anticipation and delight with reporters. Three happy travelers, Irena, Nadya, and Alexander, exclaiming, "Three hours - and we're here. It's great!" reminisced about how the flight duration allows for spontaneous weekend trips compared to previous longer travel times.
Upon arriving, passengers were welcomed with unique gifts, including souvenirs and traditional Kirovsky gingerbread, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. One overwhelmed passenger said, "This is how you greet passengers!" highlighting the enthusiasm from the airline and regional authorities.
Another passenger remarked on the value of the offers, noting, "A ticket costs five thousand, and they give dinner worth eight thousand!" showcasing the meaningful engagement and connectivity established by the new route.
With the added value of subsidies, the ticket prices are expected to be much lower than they would have been otherwise. The flight from Kaliningrad to Apatity takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it possible for ski enthusiasts to enjoy quick getaways to the slopes.
The launch of this route is seen not just as a means of facilitating travel but also as a significant development for the economies of both Kaliningrad and Murmansk. Local businesses stand to benefit from increased foot traffic and tourism, which could lead to more job opportunities and revenue generation.
Participants expressed hopes for more investment and development opportunities resulting from this initiative. The collaboration among airline authorities, regional governments, and local businesses could mark the start of enhanced travel capabilities within the unique geographical contexts of these Russian regions.
Overall, the inaugural Kaliningrad to Apatity flight sets the stage for increased winter tourism and showcases the region's commitment to connecting its residents to broader travel options. With excitement surrounding travel possibilities, local ski resorts can expect heightened interest as more Kaliningrad residents venture north for winter adventures.