list of airports in Russia

Russia’s Airports: A Comprehensive Guide to Air Travel in the Nation

Russia, the world’s largest country, boasts a vast network of airports serving both domestic and international travelers. Navigating this network can be complex, so this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Russia’s key airports, helping you plan your journey with confidence. From major international hubs to regional gateways, we’ll cover essential information for a smooth travel experience.

#ff6900 Major International Airports

Moscow and St. Petersburg dominate international air travel in Russia. These airports handle the vast majority of international flights and offer extensive connections to destinations worldwide.

  • Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO): Located northwest of Moscow, Sheremetyevo is Russia’s busiest airport, serving as a primary hub for Aeroflot and other major airlines. It’s known for its modern terminals and efficient operations.
  • Domodedovo International Airport (DME): Another major Moscow airport, Domodedovo is a key hub for S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines. It offers a wide range of international and domestic destinations.
  • Vnukovo International Airport (VKO): The oldest of Moscow’s three major airports, Vnukovo has undergone significant modernization and serves a growing number of airlines, including Pobeda.
  • Pulkovo Airport (LED): Situated in St. Petersburg, Pulkovo is the second busiest airport in Russia. It’s a major hub for Rossiya Airlines and provides excellent connections to European cities.

#ff6900 Regional Airports: Connecting Russia’s Diverse Regions

Beyond the major hubs, Russia has a network of regional airports that connect its far-flung cities and towns. These airports are crucial for domestic travel and often serve as entry points for exploring Russia’s diverse landscapes.

  • Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA): Serving the city of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, this airport is a vital transportation hub for the region.
  • Ekaterinburg Airport (SVX): Located in the Ural Mountains, Ekaterinburg Airport is a significant transit point for flights between Europe and Asia.
  • Kazan International Airport (KZN): Serving the capital of Tatarstan, Kazan Airport is a growing hub for domestic and international travel.
  • Novosibirsk International Airport (OVB): The largest airport in Siberia, Novosibirsk Airport serves as a major hub for flights to and from the region.
  • Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV): Serving the Caucasus region, this airport is a gateway to popular resort towns like Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk.
  • Rostov-on-Don Airport (ROV): A key airport in southern Russia, serving the city of Rostov-on-Don and surrounding areas.
  • Sochi International Airport (AER): Located on the Black Sea coast, Sochi Airport is a popular destination for both winter and summer tourism.
  • Vladivostok International Airport (VVO): Serving the Far East of Russia, Vladivostok Airport is a crucial gateway for trade and tourism with Asia.

#ff6900 A Table of Airports in Russia

Airport Code Airport Name City Region Serves
SVO Sheremetyevo International Airport Moscow Moscow Oblast International & Domestic
DME Domodedovo International Airport Moscow Moscow Oblast International & Domestic
VKO Vnukovo International Airport Moscow Moscow Oblast International & Domestic
LED Pulkovo Airport St. Petersburg Leningrad Oblast International & Domestic
KJA Krasnoyarsk International Airport Krasnoyarsk Krasnoyarsk Krai Domestic & Limited International
SVX Ekaterinburg Airport Ekaterinburg Sverdlovsk Oblast International & Domestic
KZN Kazan International Airport Kazan Tatarstan International & Domestic
OVB Novosibirsk International Airport Novosibirsk Novosibirsk Oblast International & Domestic
MRV Mineralnye Vody Airport Mineralnye Vody Stavropol Krai International & Domestic
ROV Rostov-on-Don Airport Rostov-on-Don Rostov Oblast International & Domestic
AER Sochi International Airport Sochi Krasnodar Krai International & Domestic
VVO Vladivostok International Airport Vladivostok Primorsky Krai International & Domestic
DMO Makhachkala Uytas Airport Makhachkala Dagestan Domestic
GKT Gornyak Airport Anadyr Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Domestic
UUS Ulan-Ude Baikalsky Airport Ulan-Ude Buryatia Domestic
PEK Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Kamchatka Krai Domestic & Limited International
TSX Tsimlyansk Airport Tsimlyansk Rostov Oblast Domestic
IGR Irkutsk International Airport Irkutsk Irkutsk Oblast Domestic & Limited International

#ff6900 Navigating Russian Airports: What to Expect

Russian airports are generally modern and efficient, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Security checks can be thorough, so allow plenty of time. Signage is often in both Russian and English, but it’s helpful to have a translation app or phrasebook. Wi-Fi is typically available, but may require registration. Consider learning a few basic Russian phrases to assist with communication.

#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need a visa to transit through a Russian airport?
A: It depends on your nationality and the length of your transit. Many nationalities require a transit visa, even for short layovers. Check the Russian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.

Q2: What is the best way to get from the airport to the city center in Moscow?
A: Moscow’s airports are well-connected to the city center by Aeroexpress trains, buses, and taxis. Aeroexpress is the fastest and most convenient option.

Q3: Are there currency exchange facilities at Russian airports?
A: Yes, most major airports have currency exchange offices and ATMs. However, exchange rates may not be the most favorable, so consider exchanging currency in the city center.

Q4: What languages are spoken at Russian airports?
A: Russian is the primary language. English is spoken by staff at international terminals, but it’s not always widely spoken elsewhere.

Q5: Is smoking allowed inside Russian airports?
A: No, smoking is generally prohibited inside Russian airports. Designated smoking areas are usually available outside the terminals.

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