Ukrainian Drone Attacks, Rising Airfares Dent Demand for Sochi Trips – Kommersant - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 26, 2026
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Demand for trips to Sochi, Russia’s premier Black Sea resort, has dropped significantly this year due to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks and rising airfare costs, according to a report by the *Kommersant* business daily. Data from tour operators reveals a 30% year-on-year decline in interest for February 2026, with online ticket sales to Sochi falling by 38% compared to January. The frequent disruptions at Sochi International Airport, caused by drone strikes, have led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, further deterring tourists. Experts note that unlike other southern resorts like Anapa, where 55-60% of visitors arrive by car, only 15% choose to drive to Sochi, making air travel the primary mode of transportation for most guests.
The impact on tourism is particularly pronounced during peak travel months. Sergei Romashkin, vice president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), reported a 9% year-on-year decline in overall tourist interest during the first two months of 2026. This downturn has forced some tour operators to shift focus toward alternative destinations like Anapa, where bookings have increased as travelers seek cheaper and more reliable options. For instance, Sochi’s share of bookings at Coral Travel dropped from 54% to 31%, while FUN&SUN saw a similar decline. At Multitour, Sochi’s share fell by half, from 30% to 15%.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/26/2026