Kaliningrad (KGD/UMKK) to implement “Open skies”

[eu01]

The airport in Kaliningrad (formerly Königsberg/East Prussia), on a 15,100 square kilometers Russian enclave surrounded by EU countries, is seeking permissions to implement the "Open Skies" agreement, to be able to increase the traffic to 5 million pax annually and to become a transit hub for flights between Europe and China. Right now it's undergoing the vast enlargement and development works under a concept developed by Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V. backed by the investment in the range of $100 million. A few more details here (http://rbth.ru/business_news/2013/02/11/kaliningrad_airport_to_implement_open_skies_22755.html).

[thebig C]

Interesting. Wasn't there a low-cost carrier based there with a same idea a few years ago? As I recall, it expanded very rapidly and then collapsed.

[Copenhagen]

KLD - or Kaliningrad Avia had a similar concept, but linking european cities to CIS cities using 737-300s.

Open skies and Visa free for Kaliningrad region was under discussion for well over a decade now - a centre where CIS and EU nationals could meet for business.

Alas KLD failed as the home market is tiny, and the transit passengers were hopelessly low yielding. Air Baltic used to operate Fokker 50's from their own little terminal in Kaliningrad airport - attempting to link the city to their network.

[davidjohnson6]

Wake me up when a date for open skies is announced in Moscow / St Petersburg, or the visa regime for general EU citizens to Kaliningrad does not involve pre booked accommodation.

[Heathrow Harry]

It's a mafia run hell hole..........

[ConstantFlyer]

It's a mafia run hell hole..........
Yes, Heathrow is. Kaliningrad oblast, on the other hand, is a much improved arena for business.