Maykop Airport

The primary reason for the closure of civilian operations was economic. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, regional air travel became economically unviable for many smaller cities. The airport suffered from a sharp decline in passenger traffic, aging infrastructure that did not meet modern standards, and the inability to service modern aircraft. Subsequently, the airfield was fully converted for exclusive military use.

The site is an active military air base of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). Satellite imagery and official reports confirm that it is operational and primarily houses ground-attack aircraft, particularly Sukhoi Su-25s. The former civilian terminal and infrastructure are derelict and unused. Since February 2022, the air base has been operating within the restricted airspace zone established over southern Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine and is used for military operations.

Historically, Maykop Airport served a dual purpose. For civilian use, it was the main air gateway for the Republic of Adygea, connecting the regional capital, Maykop, with other cities in the North Caucasus and major hubs like Moscow. It primarily handled regional aircraft such as the Antonov An-2, An-24, and Yakovlev Yak-40. Militarily, the airfield, often referred to as 'Maykop-Khanskaya' (after the nearby Khanskaya stanitsa), has a long history as a Soviet and later Russian Air Force base. It was notably used as a training center for the Armavir Military Aviation Institute of Pilots and has hosted various aviation regiments, including those flying L-39 Albatros trainers and, more recently, Su-25 'Frogfoot' ground-attack aircraft (e.g., the 960th Assault Aviation Regiment).

There have been numerous discussions and proposals over the years by the government of the Republic of Adygea to revive the airport for civilian use. Plans typically involved a major reconstruction of the runway, construction of a new passenger terminal, and establishing a dual-use (civilian/military) operating model. These plans were often included in federal development programs for the North Caucasus region. However, these projects have consistently stalled due to a lack of funding and logistical challenges. The current geopolitical situation and the airfield's active role in the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine have put any plans for reopening to civilian traffic on indefinite hold. There are no credible prospects for reopening in the near future.