February 9 — Civil Aviation Day in Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

In Russia, Civil Aviation Worker's Day is celebrated on February 9, a professional holiday for pilots, flight attendants and airport employees who ensure uninterrupted air communication between regions. On this day, industry veterans, teachers and cadets of flight schools also receive congratulations. In 2026, the date falls on a Monday. Read about its history and traditions in the Izvestia article.

Civil Aviation Worker's Day — the history of the holiday

The official status of Civil Aviation Worker's Day was received relatively recently. It was established by decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2013. However, the choice of date has deep historical roots. On this day in 1923, the USSR Council of Labor and Defense adopted a resolution "On the organization of the Council for Civil Aviation," which became the starting point for the formation of the national air fleet.

Already in June of the same year, the first regular domestic airline Moscow — Nizhny Novgorod was opened. Further development of the industry is associated with the creation in 1932 of the united airline Aeroflot, which until 1964 was under the control of the Main Directorate of the Civil Aviation Fleet, and then under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The appearance of a whole galaxy of legendary aircraft in the 50s and 60s — the Tu-104, Il-18, An-24 and others — significantly increased passenger traffic and the geography of flights. Today, Russian civil aviation is a complex high—tech complex that unites dozens of airlines, hundreds of airports, educational institutions, and research and production centers.

The modern fleet of aircraft is being actively updated, including such domestic models as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and MC-21. The renewal of the fleet will continue in 2026. Serial production of new Russian Tu-214 and Il-114 aircraft is scheduled for this year, which will be an important milestone in Russian aviation.

How to celebrate Civil Aviation Worker's Day

The celebration of Civil Aviation Employee Day includes both official and corporate events within the airlines themselves. Traditionally, solemn meetings and award ceremonies become the central event. The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviation), and airline executives honor the best employees and present state and departmental awards.

An important part of the celebration are industry conferences and round tables where topical issues such as improving flight safety, introducing digital technologies, developing a regional route network and training personnel are discussed.

On this day, civil aviation veterans are especially celebrated, whose experience and knowledge laid the foundation for today's achievements. Cadets meet with experienced mentors in aviation schools, and open days are organized for future specialists.

Many airports and airlines provide guided tours for schoolchildren and students, allowing them to look behind the scenes of the complex aviation infrastructure. Aviation museums, for example, the Central Museum of the Air Force in Monino or the Museum of Civil Aviation in Ulyanovsk, open thematic exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Russian air fleet.

Wingspan: airlines will receive more than 50 new Russian aircraft

2026 will be a landmark year for civil aviation and will mark the beginning of the transition to domestic technology.

How to congratulate on the Day of Civil Aviation

Congratulations on the holiday are addressed to everyone whose work is somehow related to passenger air transportation. Warm words are spoken to colleagues, friends and relatives working in the industry, expressing gratitude for their work, which, although often invisible, serves as a guarantee of comfort and safety for millions of passengers.

Congratulations on the 9th of February

"Dear friends, colleagues, and all those who have connected their lives with heaven! Happy Civil Aviation Worker's Day! Your profession is moving forward, overcoming distance and gravity. We wish that your enthusiasm and love for your work will never fade. May every working day bring satisfaction, and fatigue recede to the applause of grateful passengers!"

"Dear pilots! Your confident hands and cold calculation, and the ability to make decisions in the most difficult conditions are the foundation of safety in the sky. May your every flight be calm and your landing be gentle. We wish you a clear sky, reliable equipment and a safe return home!"

"Dear flight attendants! You are the face of the airline, the guardian angels on board, whose smile and professionalism create an atmosphere of comfort and trust. Thank you for your patience and concern. We wish you to welcome only kind passengers in the cabin, and in life — vivid impressions and a fair wind!"

"Dear air traffic controllers, the conductors of the celestial orchestra, whose voice and attention are the law for the crews! Congratulations on the Day of the Civil Aviation Worker! Thank you for your concentration and lightning-fast reaction, who are standing guard over the order in the airspace. We wish you good radio communication, good health and iron nerves!"

"Dear veterans of civil aviation! You are the living history of the Russian air fleet, its golden fund and mentors of new generations. Your experience, wisdom and dedication to the profession serve as an indisputable example. I bow low to you for all that you have done for the industry. I wish you good health, good spirits and many kind words on your professional holiday!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the International Civil Aviation Day, which was celebrated in Russia and the world on December 7.

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