This week, Tartu airport welcomed athletes arriving for the IBU Biathlon World Cup stage taking place in Otepää, with most of them arriving via charter flight from Joensuu. This event marked the first time that competitors from an international competition were greeted at Tartu airport, where mascot Otto welcomed the teams who disembarked from three special flights. This initiative reflects the growing significance of Tartu as a transport hub for major sporting events in Estonia.

The idea to use Tartu airport for the arrival of athletes came from the organizing committee of Otepää and was made possible with the cooperation of the IBU, which had previously arranged charter flights for athletes from the Kontiolahti stage. Tarmo Kärsna, the president of the Estonian Biathlon Federation, expressed his satisfaction with Tartu airport's collaboration in executing this plan, indicating that it sets a positive precedent for future events.

Kärsna further highlighted that the success of this operation could pave the way for hosting not only larger sports events but also conferences and other important gatherings in Tartu, showing that the city can serve as a suitable venue for international guests. The successful transportation of athletes to Tartu signifies the potential for expanding the city's role in the sporting landscape of Estonia, which could have wider implications for its tourism and economy.