Ferry crossings in Yakutia begin to close

Yakutia's Ministry of Transport and Road Management has reported that ferry crossings across the region are beginning to close. The Yakutsk – Nizhny Bestyakh crossing on the Lena River is expected to operate until 23 October 2026, after which it will switch to an off-season timetable with higher fares. The Kachikatsy – Mokhsogollokh crossing is expected to run until 20 October 2026.

The Kangalassy – Sottintsy and Olekminsk – Zarechny crossings ended operations on 15 and 16 October 2026 respectively. On the Aldan River, Megino-Aldan – Keskil ended on 16 October and Ust-May – Eldikan on 10 October. Four Vilyuy River crossings will operate until 18 to 20 October, and the Amga – Betyun crossing ended on 13 October.

The ministry said the dates are preliminary and may be adjusted depending on hydrological conditions and ice formation. For off-season passenger transport on the Lena, Aldan and Vilyuy rivers, hovercraft (khivus) and aeroboats will be deployed, with movement limited to daytime hours.