The Domodedovo International Airport was officially opened in 1965 with the goal of supporting long-distance domestic traffic in the USSR. Just 18 months after it was opened, a second runway was built parallel to the existing one making it the first airport to have parallel runways that are operated simultaneously. Before long, the airport was gaining momentum and growing considerably. Since 1996, the Domodedovo Airport has been operated by the East Line Group under a 75-year lease from the state. Though the state still owns the runway and controls its activities, the East Line Group arranges flights and schedules, hires staff and has also been investing in the reconstruction of the airport and the improvement of customs. It is largely due to the efforts of this group that the airport has gained so much prominence and usage over the past few years.
