Yakovlev MC-21 marks new runway opening at Grozny airport

A Yakovlev MC-21-310 prototype took part in ceremonies marking the opening of a new runway at Grozny airport, capital of Russia's Chechen republic, on 21-22 August. According to manufacturer United Aircraft, the aircraft was the first to take off from the new runway.

Chechen regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov and other officials inspected the twinjet during the event. Russian federal air transport regulator Rosaviatsia said the new runway measures 3,200 metres and can support aircraft such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A321.

Rosaviatsia said the improved runway would cut the number of diversions and help create more stable air links between Chechnya and other Russian regions. Transport minister Andrei Nikitin described the airport as having strategic importance. He noted it will eventually handle 1.2 million passengers a year once renovation work concludes.

The wider modernisation project includes a new terminal, apron and 23 aircraft parking stands, alongside a control tower that opened previously. Kadyrov called the runway's completion the first and most important stage of the airport's redevelopment, saying the work was finished on schedule and to a high standard.

State technology firm Rostec said the specific MC-21 involved, tail number 73057 and fitted with Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines, flew to Grozny from Moscow's Zhukovsky airfield, where it has been undergoing certification testing. The runway was formally declared open on 22 August.