News AER PRO GROUP

Demand for Flights to Tatarstan Increases Due to Events and Transit Passengers

For the upcoming season, Aeroflot is increasing the number of flights between Moscow and Kazan by almost a quarter compared to last summer. From June to August, the airline plans to operate up to 84 flights per week. Tour operators attribute this expansion primarily to the large number of events held in Tatarstan and the growing flow of transit passengers through the republic.

"In the past two years, the number of people flying transit to other countries and Russian cities serviced by Aeroflot flights has increased. For example, flights from Kazan to Kaliningrad are not daily, but from Moscow they are several times a day, so many fly through Moscow. Additionally, Kazan frequently hosts major events – sports, student, international summits, etc. In June, the republic will host the BRICS Games, with participants from over 50 countries," said Ramil Miftakhov, director of Kazan-based company Persona Grata.

According to him, travelers increasingly purchase tickets and book accommodation on their own, using tour companies only for excursion services.

"The overall tourist flow to the republic continues to grow, but organized tours have decreased by 20-30% in the three years since the pandemic. Only MICE trips remain at last year’s level. Package deals with accommodation are declining due to hotel pricing policies, with hotel prices rising by 15-30%. For the second half of June, during the BRICS Games, there are no hotel rooms left. After raising prices for peak dates, hoteliers do not lower them, shifting demand to cheaper apartments. Tour operators from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg often book buses and guides themselves and bring their tourists to Kazan," Miftakhov clarified.

He added that six major business events will be held in Kazan this year, the most significant being the BRICS summit in October. The city is preparing to host guests at the highest level.

Elena Ilkun, general director of Kazan Travel Bureau, agrees with her colleague: the trend of increasing guest flow to the republic continues due to numerous events. In April and May, there was an increase in visits during the holidays.

The company Vand also confirmed the steady demand for Kazan. Excellent transport accessibility by rail and air contributes to sales.

"Prices in Kazan are indeed high. Summer tours are selling well, though some periods have already sold out. Kazan has a busy event calendar, and a lot of money has been invested in sports infrastructure, which is used to its fullest. This increases the number of flights in the summer and the load on the airport. The MICE segment is also developing well," said Irina Astakhova, head of the Russian department.