The package of documents permitting the operation of the new runway at Odessa International Airport was approved today by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine.

Take-offs and landings of aircraft will be allowed from 00:00 UTC (from 3:00 Kiev time) on July 15, 2021.

The new take-off will receive the first aircraft 44 months after the start of construction.

By July 15, the management of Odessa International Airport LLC promises to also install four bridges for disembarking / landing passengers directly into the aircraft cabin.

From this point on, the old runway will be decommissioned along with the taxiways RD-2, RD-3, RD-4 and half of the RD-1. RD-A1, RD-A5 and RD-S3 will start operating along with the new runway.

The start of the earthworks of the great construction was given in mid-November 2017. After 30 months, in May 2020, the main work was completed, however, improvements and problems with certification delayed the start of operation for another long 14 months. The runway and the new apron at the new terminal cost the State more than UAH 3 billion. Part of the funds was allocated by the investor.

Odessa Airport got the gangways of the German company ThyssenKrupp. They are made from polymers, almost completely transparent. It looks like there has never been such a thing at any other Ukrainian airport, still.

The airport had also to purchase new tractors necessary for reversing airliners.