Rostov-on-Don’s Platov airport to test operations prior to opening

The city's new gateway will have an annual throughput capacity of 5 million passengers (Rostov Region governor's press service)

Rostov-on-Don’s new Platov airport will start test operations in mid-October. The administration of Russia’s southern region says this will be part of a plan approved by Governor Vasily Golubev. The airport is to become fully operational in December 2017.

The simulation, to commence on October 16, will cover services of arriving and departing passengers, as well as passenger and baggage transfer operations.

Personnel’s ability to service aircraft will also be tested, including operations of airside vehicles and other equipment.

The simulation will continue until November 20. The airport expects to have completed the personnel recruitment campaign in mid-November. Earlier that month, air navigation equipment tests will be finished.

Platov was built to replace Rostov’s existing airport, which has no further room for development as it is located within the city limits. The project is managed by Airports of Regions, which also operates the city’s current air gateway. Platov’s passenger terminal, measuring 51,000 square meters, is three times bigger than that of the old airport. The new hub’s projected throughput capacity stands at 1,791 passengers per hour, or five million passengers per year.

The airport’s home base carrier will be the new airline Azimuth, which operates a fleet of Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) regional jetliners. The operator is expected to fly to destinations in the south of Russia.