Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA) in central Russia has made a significant request that could potentially have far-reaching implications for air traffic in the region. The airport is requesting permission to grant foreign airlines the fifth "freedom of the air". This would give these companies the opportunity to make commercial transit landings in Krasnoyarsk while flying between their home country and a third destination. The move aims to increase transit passenger traffic, particularly from Central Asian airlines, and could represent a strategic advantage for the airport. The fifth freedom: opportunities and challenges The fifth "freedom of the air" is an international term that allows airlines to pick up passengers in one country and transport them to another without landing in the airline's home country. For Krasnoyarsk Airport, this arrangement could bring significant economic benefits. According to the airport's press service, this will particularly benefit Central Asian airlines, which will be able to expand their capacity while Russian airlines struggle with aircraft shortages. "Thanks to the fifth freedom, it will be possible to carry out tourist trips to Asian resorts, taking into account the possible reduction of flights by Russian airlines," the airport explained. For example, a connection could be established between Astana, Krasnoyarsk and Phuket. This would not only encourage travel, but also strengthen economic ties between the countries. International traffic forecasts In 2023, international traffic via Krasnoyarsk is expected to increase by 44% to 584.000 passengers, with Central Asia being the main source of these travelers. The potential for further growth is considerable, according to the airport.

British Airways' decision to cancel all flights from Southampton Airport (SOU) for summer 2025 comes as a surprise to many travelers. The airport, located on the south coast of England, has experienced positive development in recent years, but the cancellation of these connections could significantly impact the future of its traffic offer. As summer 2024 draws to a close, travelers who regularly fly from Southampton Airport must now make alternative bookings. A sudden farewell to popular destinations British Airways operated a total of eleven European and British destinations from Southampton in summer 2024, served by its subsidiary City Flyer with Embraer regional jets. These regional jets were used particularly on weekends to circumvent movement restrictions at London City Airport (LCY). The suspension of flight operations is particularly notable given that the last two routes, to Bergerac and Palma, only started four months ago, in May 2024. This decision is causing discontent among passengers who had already booked flights for summer 2025. Many have already been contacted by the airline and asked to look for alternative flights or refunds. Impact on Southampton Airport 2024 was a year of mixed fortunes for Southampton Airport. After the decline in traffic during the pandemic, the airport saw an increase in passenger numbers. However, it suffered the loss of its largest airline, Flybe, which collapsed in 2021. Since then, however, the airport has gained new airlines such as easyJet, Eastern Airlines and Loganair to diversify its offering. The long-term planned runway extension was implemented in