Russia’s construction authorities have approved plans for a new terminal at Gelendzhik Airport in southern Russia. Airport operator Basel Aero estimates terminal investments of RUB500 million ($7.8 million). After completion, the new terminal area will exceed 5,000 sq m, doubling airport capacity and handling 300 passengers per hour, ATWonline reported.

The Gelendzhik Airport opened in May 2010 and handles 140 passengers per hour. It was the first new airport to be built in Russia in the post-Soviet era.

According to Basel Aero, Gelendzhik airport handled 1.2 million passengers over the six-year period. Airlines operate scheduled flights from more than 10 Russian cities—including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novy Urengoy, Surgut, Tyumen, Ufa and Cherepovets.