MAKHACHKALA, June 17 – RIA "Dagestan". Fyodor Shchukin, the Acting Head of Dagestan, has unveiled ambitious plans to upgrade Makhachkala International Airport, stressing that he is personally overseeing the development of the republic's primary air hub. The centerpiece of the project is a new runway measuring 3.2 kilometers in length and 45 meters in width, which will enable the airport to handle all categories of aircraft and maintain round-the-clock operations in bad weather.
Besides, the authorities intend to construct a hotel, to develop retail areas within the airport grounds and to create a master plan for Terminal A. Fyodor Shchukin stressed the ambitious nature of the work ahead: significantly raising passenger volumes, broadening the flight map and moving the entire airport infrastructure to a completely new level.
Pointing to the airport's upcoming 100th anniversary next year, the regional governor remarked that the centenary celebration demanded fully upgraded facilities and operational performance metrics that would become a source of pride for the entire republic.