Regional airports help keep Estonia connected. However, these connections must be well thought out. Today it is clear that Pärnu Airport needs a reassessment.
The local government has seen greater development potential in the airport. They have expressed a desire to operate it. The state is ready to offer this opportunity to the city of Pärnu. If the city of Pärnu declines this opportunity, the state will offer the airport's operation to the private sector through a public tender.
The state invested 18.5 million euros in the reconstruction of Pärnu Airport in 2021. The investment was made in cooperation with regional businesses and the local government. They supported the launch of international flights from Pärnu. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's war in Ukraine affected the launch of flights.
The ministry has discussed with the Pärnu city government the restoration of international air traffic. They have also discussed expanding the business opportunities offered at the airport. The specific conditions for the transfer of operation must be agreed upon by the Ministry of Climate, Tallinn Airport, and the Pärnu city government. The state is ready to continue supporting the airport's operation at the current level.
The state also wants to find a new operator for Kihnu airfield. Kihnu airfield is used to a limited extent for private and training flights. Open services have not been offered here for years. The future of the airfield will be decided in cooperation with the local government. Both transferring it to the municipality and privatizing it are being considered.
The state has a total of four regional airports and airfields in Kihnu and Ruhnu. The maintenance of their infrastructure, provision of necessary services, and organization of flight connections cost the state approximately 21.5 million euros annually.