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.
Resources:
- Official Sheremetyevo Airport Website
- Official Domodedovo Airport Website
- Official Vnukovo Airport Website
- Official Pulkovo Airport Website
- Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya)
- Timatic – For visa and passport requirements. (Subscription required)