The problem of the transport blockade of Kuril Islands is finally resolved, as the Deputy Minister of Transport of Sakhalin Oblast Gennady Kotlikov said at a press briefing on Monday.

      “Transportation to the Kuril Islands is carried out by air transport (aircrafts of “Aurora” airlines) and two sea-freight vessels (“Igor Farkhutdinov” and the cruise ship “Polaris”). Both marine vessels are loaded with passengers by 80-90%. The problem of transport blockade of the Kuril Islands which was relevant for us for so many years is now fully solved” - he said. According to the press centre of the agency, transportation to Kurils is now carried out by both air transport (aircrafts of “Aurora” airlines) and marine vessels. The development of transport infrastructure and the increase of the availability of the Kuril Islands to tourists are already reflected in the passenger traffic statistics. In January-June 2013 the volume of traffic amounted to 11 thousand people, now it makes up already 13.7 thousand (+24%). The passenger traffic to the Kuril Islands is growing due to tourists as well.