Passenger Flow from Middle East to Sochi Could Double by 2030

Aerodinamika, which manages airports in Sochi, Krasnodar, and Anapa, forecasts a twofold increase in passenger traffic from the Middle East and a significant contribution to the regional economy by 2030, as stated at a roundtable on inbound tourism development between the Middle East and Krasnodar Region as part of the NAIS-2026 business program.

According to the report of deputy general director for commercial activities Alexander Nikonov, thanks to the joint work of tour operators on inbound tourism and airlines, Sochi is becoming a new tourist destination for travelers from the macro-region, which will ensure substantial growth in tax revenues and creation of new jobs in Krasnodar Region.

In 2025, total passenger traffic between Sochi and Middle Eastern countries exceeded 180,000 people. Foreign Middle Eastern airlines (including Etihad, Air Arabia, Jazeera, flydubai, Gulf Air) served over 108,000 passengers, more than five times the 2024 figure. By 2030, passenger traffic is forecast to grow to 223,000 people per year, including through the launch of direct flights from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar and the development of services on existing routes from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait.

— «The Middle East is becoming a strategic destination for Sochi Airport, especially against the backdrop of visa abolition with Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan in 2025. We see how focusing on tourists from this region provides a high multiplier for the economy. According to our forecast, by 2030 the flow of inbound tourists to Krasnodar Region from Middle Eastern countries could increase by 175% compared to 2025. Tax revenues to the Russian budget system could amount to up to 4 billion rubles (around $42.1 million at current rates) shared between federal and regional budgets, tens of thousands of new jobs will be created, and the income distribution model will ensure a balance of interests at the federal and regional levels,» said Alexander Nikonov.