According to Alexander Ponomarenko, chairman of Sheremetyevo Airport, the Moscow hub is looking at two scenarios for reopening once the coronavirus crisis ends and travel restrictions are lifted with the possibility of international flights starting up again as early as July.
The first scenario includes the gradual restoration of passenger traffic throughout the rest of this year with international flights resuming in July. The second case is more complex and will involve the restoration of passenger traffic to 2019 levels at a much slower pace (taking at least 12 months).
In an interview with Forbes Russia, Ponomarenko revealed that to maintain the balanced operation of the airport, Sheremetyevo temporarily closed three of its terminals. The airport has also reduced all non-production costs, reallocated resources and optimised processes and staff work schedules. Construction projects at the airport have also been frozen, except for the construction of the first runway, which will continue before the winter cold sets in.
“Professionals who need to be at their workplace accomplish a real feat,” he said. “We express a huge human gratitude to our staff serving flights in Terminal F, to doctors who meet passengers around the clock; as well as all health workers in the world, those who are now at the forefront of the struggle and risk their lives and health,” Ponomarenko continued.
Sheremetyevo will continue to monitor the situation in Europe to see how the European nations emerge from the crisis. “Humanity will overcome this crisis and learn very important lessons… People in all countries have realised the danger facing the world, shown the highest consciousness and saved thousands of other lives with their self-isolation,” said Ponomarenko.
